#they’ll start tap dancing. they don’t even know how to tap dance it just unlocks something within them when they dance together

[milimeters-morales]

The Spot: finally! I’ve set the stage for- what the hell are you doing!!

Miles and Pavitr absolutely breaking it down and singing to Pocketful of Sunshine playing from a random ipod nano they found on the ground: give us a minute!

[n1k1tty]

keep it on the down low - nishimura riki

╰─ ever since you were selected as riki’s next partner for his upcoming dance collab, you may or may not have developed feelings for each other. but despite their companies not really supporting dating in their idol's careers, both riki and y/n tried to keep it on the down low. key word: tried

pairings: idol! riki x idol! reader

genre: fluff

It was around 2 am in the morning when you and Riki decided to stay for a little bit more to finish up the first part of the song.

"1 2 3 4, 5 6 7 8" Riki counts as you both move in sync, he smiles at your worn out figure laying down on the ground "tired? we can wrap this up if you want to"

He sits down next to you, handing you his cup of cold water. Your mind secretly going on frantic over his little gesture "Let's just finish this last part and i'm heading home- unless you're tired too-" you sip the water, sitting up.

"-Nah, nah i'm not tired yet" He shakes his head. crap, did that sound too desperate? Riki asks himself, trying his best to not make it seem like he was avoiding your gaze

"Alright then, 2:30 we'll leave" You say, walking towards the table as you place the cup. Riki seriously didn't know how calm and collected you were especially with just the two of you alone, together. No managers, no members, nada.

You start playing the music, feeling yourself getting more exhausted each minute that passed by. Sloppily moving your body with the rhythm. Of course that didn't go unnoticed by Riki.

As the song ended, you both face each other. It was a part of the dance, but your face being barely an inch from Riki's wasn't. You both froze, not knowing what to do. Well, facing a different way was another solution, but neither of you wanted to do that, let's be honest.

At this moment, Riki didn't give a shit.

He grabbed you by the waist, faces inching closer by the second. But before your lips could touch—

“This one is for the boys with the boomin syst— Riki? Y/n?” Heeseung takes a second to blink, eyes refusing to see what he was seeing “I uh, I gotta go. My manager is asking if i’m at home. See you Riki, Bye Heeseung” You hurriedly pack your things, face red from embarrassment and the thought of you and Riki almost kissing.

“Hyung— I can explain—“ Riki walks towards him, trying to grab his hand “—Riki calm down, I wont tell” Heeseung chuckles, patting Riki’s bag “If you don’t know where my airpods are, then go walk her home. She’s not supposed to be out at this hour alone. I’ll take your stuff back to the dorm aight?”

“Oh gosh” you groaned, dragging your feet as you rethink what had happened “What should I do?” You pull your hair.

Just as you were about to turn to the corner you hear him call your name ‘No Riki! This is not the time!’ you panicked, but just before you could act as if you didn’t hear him, he taps you by the shoulder “Riki, just what the hell are you thinking chasing me right at this hour!?” You whisper-yell at him “I was just worried about you walking home at 3 am. Your company sucks for not getting you a driver”

“No I told them I could walk home” You chuckle, in Riki’s eyes you seemed so bothered. Noticing the way you dragged your feet and messy hair “Everything okay?” He asked, facing you

“Riki we’re doomed! Heeseung knows, and maybe dispatch is somewhere out there already taking pictures of us at this mome—”

He giggles “So what?” You gasp, mouth open. You seriously couldn’t believe this kid.

“So what?! Ugh, why do I even put up with you” facepalming as you groan

“Heeseung hyung said he wouldn’t tell, and I don’t care about dispatch, engenes know how close we are and does your fans. They’ll think this is a friendly gesture” Riki reassures you as he looked at the stars, finding peace within your presence.

“So don’t worry okay? Everything will be alright. And if they ever suspect anything, I’ll try to find a way to get us out of it” He stops by your doorstep “Well, this is your dorm, good night y/n—”

Without a thought running through your mind, you pecked Riki Nishimura. Immediately trying to unlock the door “Good night Riki” You smile, squealing once you closed it “I saw that” Ningning smirks. There goes your money.

—

It was the following week after your collaboration with Riki was released and so far everything was going great. Both your fans really liked the content you both made, appreciating your talents and especially loved your ‘friendship’

Riki was right, everything was going to be alright. No dispatch and no suspicions from the fans and both companies.

And ever since that night, you and Riki had decided to make it official. Both agreeing to keep it a secret for now until you were both ready.

Thankfully the fans recognized the playful personalities and cherished your friendship, making videos like “Y/n and Riki being chaotic in their (collab) behind” and “Riki and Y/n being the best friends everyone would want” Of course, your companies noticed the sudden increase of popularity for both groups and proposed an idea of having each other in shows, and other things that could possibly make you interact more. Almost immediately, you both were very supportive of the idea and agreed to do more shows.

—

You guys had an episode to go to the beach with the other Enhypen members. As you were filming the things that you were packing, Riki knocks on your door “Oh? Riki came~” you cooed, smiling at the sight of his head peaking through the door “Y/n! You’re packing more than necessary” He laughs, looking at the big pile of folded clothes.

After a few minutes, you decided to stop filming. Immediately throwing yourself into Riki’s arms “Are you excited?” you asked, rubbing circles on his back “not really— I mean yeah i kinda am but what if the other members—”

He pouts at the sound of you laughing “No ones gonna steal me Nishimura Riki. If that’s what you’re worried about” you squished his cheeks

“Now help me pick which swim suit I should wear”

“Okay :D” He gladly says, sitting patiently as you start gathering the options.

So far, filming with enhypen was fun, you got to play games in the pool, grill meat, answering mini interviews the other members held, you enjoyed it all.

Of course the trip wouldn’t be complete without you and Riki flirting with each other once in a while. Which caught both your fans attention, posting overly suspicious interactions between you and Riki. Leaving comments like “act surprised when they reveal that they’re dating” and “OKAY CAN WE TALK ABOUT: Y/n casually wrapping her arms around Riki’s neck while just staring at each other in today’s behind” all around twitter.

Jungwon being active on all social media platforms didn’t help either, resulting to him realizing that you and Riki were more than just friends. Soon enough the other members figure it out as well, silently sitting back and enjoying you both so oblivious towards the fact that everyone knew.

Meanwhile, you and Riki thought you were doing an excellent job at keeping it a secret. While resting on the same bed watching a movie, your manager barges in, shoving the phone into both your faces “Nishimura Riki, care to explain?”

A screenshot of Dispatch tweeting about your guy’s relationship is trending on twitter, following a few screenshots of fans posting about your relationship.

Your heart drops

His manager chuckled, “I already knew. Just came to tell you CEO Bang supports it and would like to have a meeting about confirming it”

Long story short, you both did agree to publicize your relationship and was extremely happy to hear that the fans supported you both

yall, i dont rlly like how i wrote this :( but i rlly missed posting so…. I SWEAR ILL MAKE BETTER ONES. i just need to find my motivation to do so :)

[naoyas90dayfiance]

+18 | Unexpected | Choso x Reader

NSFW

Summary: Your boyfriend tries to hide his excitement, but you’re eager to show him how much you want him.

Word count: 2.9k

Warnings: Female!Reader

Author's note: This is a present for the bestest bestie in the whole galaxy 👑@aurelius-divus 👑. She gave me this idea and I tried to do it justice.

NSFW work under the cut.

The screech of the train invaded your senses, taking you out of your meditative state. The doors opened as you stood on the platform, waiting for the people to exit. After the entrance got less crowded you intended to get on by yourself, but your boyfriend took the lead, taking your hand and guiding you inside. He searched for two empty seats in the vehicle.

Choso sat next to a window; he looked at you as a sign to sit next to him. As you did, the half-human curse couldn't take his eyes off your hair. The bright orange sun caressed it, creating the illusion of a halo. His gaze then moved to your features, taking in how the star's rays danced around your eyes.

You smiled at his entranced face; he returned the gesture. Your heart leaped when Choso showed you his sincere smile. You couldn't help yourself but to stand up from your seat and make your way to his lap, claiming it as your throne.

Choso's smiled dropped, his eyes widened and his body stiffed. He could feel your bum on his lap and the sweet scent of your hair on his nose. He also noticed how you were starting to rub yourself against his crotch, stimulating the shaft of his dick. His body started to heat up; he didn't know if the reason was the sun's strong presence or your constant shifting.

You relaxed on top of his figure, placing your nape against his shoulder, throwing your head back to be able to see him. He glanced at you and tried to smile. You noticed his now-rosy face.

"Are you hot, baby?" You asked, moving on his lap to face him. Choso felt how you brushed the tip of his cock and gulped.

"No," he inhaled deeply, "It's fine. I need some sun after all"

"You're so cute," you took his face in your hands and gave him a long kiss on his lips. His face became joyous during the smooch, and he placed both of his hands on your waist.

"I love you," you said.

"I love you too," he replied.

You changed your position again to resume your previous posture. However, you were unaware of how each twist of your hips went straight to Choso’s slightly erect cock. Making him clenched his jaw and hold his breath.

Choso sighted in relief when you stopped. He thought the teasing was over.

"Look!" You straighten yourself on his lap. Choso cursed under his breath as he felt you rubbing his boner with your ass. You tried to get your hands closer to the window. "There's a band playing over there!"

Choso answered affirmatively, but his focus was on how to get you out of his lap before you could notice his outline.

To his dismay, the train stopped; the force of it almost made you fall off his legs. Choso instinctively took you by the hips and pulled you against himself. The sudden caress of his dick's head made him release a moan from his lips.

You noticed his bulge poking your right buttcheek. Your eyes made their way to his face.

"Choso are you..."

"The train is getting crowded," he said. You stood up and tried to move to the seat next to you, but before you managed to sit down you felt how the weight of your purse was lifted from your shoulder.

"I'll help you with your purse," Choso placed your bag on his lap.

The trip continued; the thought of Choso's possible boner was out of your head as you focused on people-watching.

For Choso it was uncomfortable because no matter how many distracting thoughts he tried to get into his head, he couldn't get his erection to go down. The reason for it was his eyes’ need to look at the cleavage that your v-neck shirt was showing; his gaze also went to your legs, appreciating the way your pants hugged your delicious thighs.

Even when he tried to look through the window, he couldn't avoid the reflection of your pretty face in the glass. He felt beads of sweat building on his forehead.

The train stopped at your destination. Choso put the strap of your bag on his shoulder and placed the item in front of his hips as you both got up. He hoped everything would be back to normal; maybe walking you home would help him.

He followed you outside the train and then took your hand, an indication that he was taking the lead once again; and so, he guided you to the main street.

"Maybe it's her perfume, it's very pleasant," he thought to himself, a thin smile on his lips.

"What are you smiling about?" You asked.

"How lucky I'm that we're together," you playfully tapped his shoulder.

"Stop it!" You giggled. He took your hand and squeezed it; you returned the gesture.

You two crossed another three streets until arriving at your apartment building. You went through the main door and made your way to the elevator. You pressed the number eight and waited for it to reach your floor. A bell rang, and the doors opened. Choso and you stepped out and walked to the very end of the hallway.

"Baby, my keys," Choso opened your purse and moved his hands inside it, looking for the feeling of cold metal. "They're on the back pocket," Choso unzipped it and drew your keys. He gave them to you with a smile. You laughed at the strange situation.

After unlocking the door, you invited Choso inside with a nod. He stepped in and removed your purse from his crotch; he was feeling on his right mind again.

Choso looked back to see what you were doing, he felt puzzled. You stood up in front of the closed entrance; your ears were focused on studying the house's sounds.

"I think we're alone," you whispered. You left Choso's side to explore with mute steps the flat, after a few knocks on different doors and a double-check inside each room, you returned to your boyfriend's side.

"We're alone," you said with a grin. Choso tilted his head to the side.

"Where's your family?"

"They must be at out. Maybe they'll get here later, like at 10," you made your way to the kitchen. Choso followed you.

"Why aren't you with them?"

"I had a presentation today, remember? They left at 8 AM. I couldn't go. Perhaps next time," you poured some water on two glasses. "Are you hungry?"

"No", he took the glass you handed him.

"Do you want to watch a movie?"

"A movie?"

"Yes, in my room," you winked.

"Okay," he replied and put the empty glass on the kitchen counter.

Choso handed you your purse and followed you as you made your way to your bedroom.

"Make yourself comfortable," you said when arriving in your room. You took your shoes off and so did he. He sat on the foot of the bed, his eyes fixed on the TV; he was trying to not see the way you were removing your shirt, leaving you only on your form-fitting undershirt.

"Come on!" You said, getting his attention. Choso's mouth opened at the sight of your figure. He could see the outlines of your brassier, waist, hips, and even belly button. You smiled at his reaction.

"Get comfy," you jumped on the bed and crawled to the pillows. Choso's gaze betrayed him once again and glued to your backside, watching how your ass and legs moved. You turned around and lied on your pillows. "Join me here". His mind was entranced by your presence, so he followed your command until he was next to you.

"What do you want to watch?" You turned on the TV. Choso tried to respond, but got distracted when you placed your head on his chest, letting him get a full view of your soft breasts; they were barely covered by your cotton bra. His brows rose at the realization of your areola peeking outside of each cup. You raised your face up to see him, wondering why he hasn't answered yet. His eyes darted to the shining screen.

"A horror movie," he stated.

"Yes, sir," you browsed through Netflix. Choso and you discussed what to watch; he was determined to pick something truly horrifying so he could stop the tent forming on his crotch. After some minutes passed, you decided to go for the latest horror movie. The opening scene started, and you placed a blanket over your body.

You were surprised that Choso's attention was only on the screen. He wasn’t even noticing how you pulled the cleavage of your undershirt down. Nonetheless, that wasn't enough for you to quit your endeavors on getting busy with your boyfriend; so, to get him to notice you, you yelped when a jumpscare appeared.

Choso immediately tightened his grip and searched your face for any sign of distress. He relaxed when he only saw you smiling at him. In his mind, you fell for the screaming ghost gimmick. His focus went back to the television.

"Is he rejecting me?" You thought. "Maybe I need to be more straightforward," you sat on the bed, Choso's hand left your shoulder. He moved his face to notice what you were going to do next.

You took your shirt off, leaving you only in underwear. Choso's face turned bright red, but nothing prepared him for what was about to come.

He noticed you were moving under the covers; his mind couldn’t come up with a reason for it, but it wasn’t necessary as he saw you throwing your pants to the side of the bed, the garment fell on the floor. His heart stopped completely, skipping more than a beat.

You lied down on his chest. Choso remained tense, and couldn't bring himself to make a move. You crept your hands under his shirt, starting to touch his soft skin: he shivered, and you kept moving it upwards, dragging the fabric and revealing his nipples. You placed your lips on his chest, leaving hot butterfly kisses on it.

"Stop," he said.

"What?" Your eyes opened in shock.

"Don't do that," he said with a flushed face. "We shouldn't be doing this yet"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not supposed to be turned on in front of you," he paused and took a deep breath.

"Why?" You said.

"It's just that... I..." He lowered his head.

"Choso, please"

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable," you blinked and then furrowed your brows.

"You're not making me uncomfortable"

"Listen," he paused, "I get a bit ahead of myself when I am this close to you. I believe you deserve respect. We have just started dating"

"Choso," you cupped his face in your hands. "We can do whatever we want," you sat on his lap, facing him. "And I want you," your lips placed a loving kiss on his cheek.

"It's too early, Y/N"

"We've known each other for longer than that. I trust you," you whispered in his ear. "Relax, and let me know if you like this," you encouraged him to lie down on the pillows.

You moved your hand to his abdomen, feeling his sculpted muscles. He moaned when your hands reached his waistband and noticed how your fingers wrapped around the base of his hard-on. A moan slipped out of your mouth, you were surprised by his thick size.

"This is what I felt on the train?"

"I'm sorry," Choso cried.

"It's okay, baby," you searched under his pants for the head of his cock. You were surprised at how long his shaft was. "You know, if you need help with this, you can ask me," Choso looked at you in disbelief. "I will gladly help you", an electric sensation ran through his spine when you touched his wet tip.

You pulled his erection out, wanting to see what you were holding. Your eyes grew in size as a big veiny cock came out of his sweatpants. The head was flushed in hot pink just like Choso's face.

You were fixated on your boyfriend's shaft. Your hand moved around it, making him twitch. Choso moaned loudly and parted his legs as a reflex.

You changed the pattern of your caresses, covering and exposing the red tip with his foreskin. Audible wet sounds and Choso's heavy breathing filled the room. Your eyes traveled to your boyfriend's face, and saw how he threw his head back; his mind was clouded with lust.

Your sight dropped to his hips, making you realize that white droplets were oozing out of his mushroom head. You coated your palm with it to use it as lube, spreading it on his girth. Choso's moaning became almost chant, and your strokes became quicker.

"Stop..." Choso pleaded. "I'm going to... finish," he hid his face behind his hand.

You stopped at his command and got off his lap. Your hands traveled to his legs, pushing his pants down and noticing how strong and defined the muscles of his thighs were. Your eyes kept exploring his exposed body: first his warm-colored face, then his bulky chest, his defined abdomen, and lastly the swollen cock lying on his belly. You were impressed by his beauty.

"Baby, your body is like art," you said. Choso opened his eyes and looked at your face. He smiled.

"Have you seen yourself?" He placed a hand on your arm, caressing it. "You're more beautiful than art itself"

Your wide smile melted his heart. He pulled you into an embrace against his body. His calloused hands ran on your back; his arousal pressed on your hips. You could hear his heart rapidly beating in his chest. The room was quiet.

"Choso," he curiously eyed your expression. "I want you"

Choso placed a hand on your cheek, helping you align your lips with his. You placed the tip of your tongue near the entrance of his mouth; he opened it slightly and let you in. You massaged his soft tongue with yours.

Choso's low moans could be barely heard; he was enjoying the taste of your mouth but he needed more from you.

His left hand went straight to your waist; he squished the skin and then fondled it. His right hand placed itself on the back of your head, where he softly touched your nape. You were trapped between his arms.

Choso wanted to make you feel good, so he locked his tight grip with his huge biceps and placed you underneath him. Your legs opened and welcomed him near your most hidden area.

Choso resumed the kissing of your squishy lips. Your hands roamed from his toned shoulders to his small waist and stopped to squeeze his asscheeks. Choso enjoyed how the silky texture of your fingers felt on his skin.

"Baby, I want you now," you said. Choso broke the kiss, sat on his knees, and took in the view of your awaiting body. His hands went to your hips; he took your panties by the sides and slid them through your thighs, your calves, and then your feet. You grabbed your bra and discarded it aside.

Choso remained with his hard-on on his thigh, watching every inch of your naked figure. His fingers traveled through your body, sensing your flawless form. His pupils dilated and his heartbeat got faster.

Choso's eyes went back to your lower body and fixated on your pussy. He was mesmerized by how glistening the lips were; his hand neared your heated cunt, and explored it, coating his fingers with your gooey fluids.

"Baby, please take me," you were watering at how his cock has gotten firmer with his exploration of your body. Choso placed his forearms next to your face. You could see how he took his dripping cock and directed it towards your pussy.

His hips pushed forward, Choso gasped and you left a loud cry out. Before rocking himself, Choso put his lips on top of yours, and you hugged him. He thrust his dick deep inside you, your pussy opening wide to make room for him.

Choso was delighted at the warm feeling of your cunt against his cock's veins; his size stretched you out so nicely that he could feel his ridges caressing all the areas of your pussy. His dick spurted more pre-cum when you tighten around him. Choso pounded faster into you, his pace getting agitated when your bit his lips. The bed squeaked under your figures.

Your pussy was trying to milk him good, pulsing around the head of his dick. This was enough to send Choso to the edge, his thrusts became rush. He squealed when your nails dug on his shoulder blades. The small amount of pain he received was worth it for how sweetly you were moaning under him.

Your walls started to spam around him, hitting all the inches of his swollen cock. Choso moaned as you orgasmed. At the last wave of your pulsing, he pulled out and he slurped a thick load of creamy cum that hit the inside of your thigh, his dick remained twitching as he placed his face between your boobs, trying to recover his breath.

Choso moved to a side, placing himself next to you. He looked at your expression and found comfort when he saw you were brightly smiling at him. He took your body and snuggled you on his chest. Your eyes were closing.

Before you fell into a deep sleep, Choso placed a peck on your forehead.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too," you whispered.

[kittydemon9000]

Okay so once again, 3 am thoughts have gifted me with yet another au. It is by no means original but screw it: SmithSwap

The only things I’m switching is their ages, so now Nya is the older one, but it. Gets. Fun.

For specifics, as of the Pilots/S1 Nya is 15 and Kai is 11, because I want bebe kai

Now, prior to Wu showing up, it’s pretty much the same as canon only with roles reversed. Nya mostly runs the shop while Kai is trying to everything he can to make things easier for his big sister, and I mean everything. The only one Nya doesn’t stop him from doing is cooking because Kai is the better chef, though neither can figure out why. Nya also likes to tell Kai stories of their parents since he can’t remember them too well, much to his disappointment.

ANYWAY, Wu shows up, Kai gets upset he’s insulting his sister’s work, then Skulkin show up. Kai does get snatched, much to Nya worry and canon continues.

Okay but also tiny spinoff, it also would’ve been hilarious if Nya still got kidnapped because then when the guys meet Kai they’d be like “who is this sassy lost child?”

So then while Nya’s training, I’m actually going to say what happened when Kai is captured.

You see, a side affect of being really freaking old is that your perception of time changes, specifically how long periods seem shorter. Garmadon decided that because of the prophecy it would be best to snatch the Master of Fire, who he thought would be Ray.

So you can imagine his surprise when his Skulkin bring in a kicking, screaming 11 year old child.

He is, understandably, not happy and very confused.

He sends the Skulkin away and tries his best talking with Kai. Like, as little malice as he can in a gentle voice, and he actually learns a few things. 1) both Ray and Maya went missing years ago, 2) these kids have no idea about anything regarding the Elemental Masters, 3) Kai’s sister has been raising him since their parents went missing, and she’s only four years older than him

Understandably, he is concerned, but also sees this as an opportunity. If he raises the Master of Fire to be loyal to him, then he’ll never want to fulfill his role in the prophecy, thus ensuring his victory. also he really misses lloyd and now when he returns he’ll have two kids!!! how amazing is that

So yeah Kai’s stay in the Underworld isn’t that bad. This Garmadon guy is pretty nice, tells him awesome stories about his parents, teaches him a bunch of things(mostly how to fight), and really just acts like the paternal figure he never had(Garmadad is canon, no matter what form you can fight me on this). The only part that sucks in Samukai, but he’s just a jerk and Garmadon makes sure he’ll never actually do anything to hurt him. He does miss Nya a lot though.

Anyway back with Nya and the guys.

They don’t actually know the exact reason why she was here at the beginning. All they know was that Wu originally left for the Master of Fire and came back with her instead. They know she has a brother, but aren’t quite sure how he falls into it.

They learn her full story the night they’re heading to the Temple of Fire, at which when they’re winding down Zane brings up how she never actually told them how she met Wu.

They are very concerned when they find out the whole story and swear they’ll help her get him back, which is nice.

Then she sees Kai But Actually Garmadon, follows, and bam Sword of Fire time. She isn’t able to fully use it, but she’s able to get a few sparks. However, things then start to take a turn for the worst.

Kai is actually here, very confused why Garmadon’s having him tied to the ceiling, but hey Nya’s here! But then oh no he then realizes that Garmadon is the bad guy, which gets him upset and more then a little betrayed.

Seeing him hurt his sister, the one of raised him, actually has Kai pick up the sword and use his powers. Under normal circumstances, it probably wouldn’t have been bigger than a few sparks, however Kai has his big sister in danger, dealing with the betrayal of an almost father figure, holding the Sword of Fire, and being surrounded by his element.

So yeah. Not that small of a fire.

The guys and Wu are actually able to to witness the truly incredible fire blast he lets out from the camp, put two and two together, and start heading over. Wu didn’t follow Nya…..because plot and was the able to help them fight off the Skulkin.

Anyway, it’s more than enough to dissipate the shadows, however it also wakes up the dragon. Garmadon, who is sort of panicking because That Was Not Supposed To Happen, ends up scooping up an unconscious Kai and the Sword and retreating to the underworld, leaving behind a very pissed Nya and an equally pissed Fire Dragon.

But yeah, Nya deals with the dragon, they get the other ones and head to the Underworld with Wu this time, and he’s actually the reason they’re able to get past all the Skulkin. 

But yeah, Samukai gets vaporized and Garmadon about to leave when a feverish Kai makes his way in and begs Garmadon to not do it and that they can fix things.

And Garmadon….actually pauses for a second and you can see the conflict in his eyes before he shakes his head and says “there’s no going back for me” and walks through. Kai then collapses and the end up heading back home.

As for what’s up with Kai, who would’ve guessed tapping into a kind of power you aren’t supposed to have access to yet in a high stress situation would be bad for the body. He has a really bad fever but he’s fine after a few days.

The few month timeskip in between the Pilots and S1 is mostly spent training Kai, so they have quite a bit less free time. However when S1 starts and Kai hears about Lord Garmadon, he actually wants to check it out himself first.

So yeah, he meets Lloyd by himself and it actually doesn’t go that badly. Kai actually buys some candy for them to share and they leave the town, and Kai actually starts talking with him. Eventually the topic comes up about Garmadon and Kai gives a rough basis about how he sort of got kidnapped, and then his work in progress plan of making him good again. Lloyd is completely down with seeing his dad again and says how they could probably get his dads attention if their got their own evil army.

And because they’re both stupid kids, neither of which have had parents before, Kai thinks it’s a great idea.

So yeah. That’s why they find the Serpentine here.

Ofc, it isn’t a right away type thing. It takes them about a month before they find the Hypnobrai Tomb, and Kai just plays off all his time spent out as him having made a friend, which they can’t exactly argue with.

Ofc, canon still happens and when Kai was busy training Lloyd ended up finding the tomb and releasing the Serpentine, and they do their regular Canon Nonsense. 

However, Kai is not too happy about the whole Attack Villages things and after a bit comes clean to the ninja about their original plan. They very much aren’t happy, but admit his heart was in the right place and they doubt he’d pull something like this again.

Fast-forward a bit more, Kai is mostly chill with Zane’s “weirdness” and unfortunately stays home when the Hypnobrai burn down the Monestary. It’s only because the dragons were able to get out and protect him that he was still alive. Nya’s actually the one who yells at Zane this time around because again. Kai almost died, but it’s all cool later and they find the Bounty :D

Anyway, Canon again continues. Kai is still really good with the dragons and is a little upset they need to leave. He also gets along really well with Ed and Edna. Then when Lloyd joins Kai is a little….well he doesn’t hate him but he does spend a while avoiding him.

Eventually Nya has enough of their dancing around each other and locks them both in the same room so they can talk it out. Turns out the reason Kai was avoiding him was because Lloyd’s betrayal really hurt since they were supposed to do it to find Garmadon, not hurt people. They have a tearful apology, then Kai learns how much of a jerk the Serpentine were and is like “the next time I see any I’ll protect you, since you’re like my little brother and as a big brother it’s my job to keep you safe”

Now it’s Samurai Time :)

You see, this time around Kai has double reasons for being the Samurai. 1) Yeah, he hates being left behind and wants to be involved but also 2) he wants to keep his big sister and big brothers safe

So yeah, that happens. He does think it’s pretty funny when they keep trying and failing to one up him though.

But then :) He gets captured with Lloyd :)))

So yeah, that sucks but it only gets worse because while Kai was able to “summon” his Samurai Mech, he had to send it off to get the ninja away. So that sucks.

Garmadon eventually shows up to help since the Serpentine stole both his kids, much to Nya’s chagrin.

Then comes the freaking Volcano Scene and this one is from Nya when she rescues Kai, then has to choose between Lloyd or the Fangblade. She ends up unlocking her True Potential by essentially leaving behind all negative feels she had for Lloyd and accepting him under her protection just like she did Kai.

The sheer torrent of water easily cools all the lava and thoroughly soaks them. But hey, even Kai has to admit being wet is better than being burnt alive. Also when the ninja start wondering aloud why the Samurai didn’t help Kai bashfully admits he was the Samurai, and this thoroughly impresses the ninja since Kai is like, 12 at this point.

Uhhhh, S2 isn’t too different. Kai is super happy that the dragons are back and is easily Ultra’s favorite. He isn’t hit with either Garms spell nor the Tomorrows Tea, but is there to comfort Lloyd and says that even though he got hit with some magic stuff Kai is still going to protect him since he’s still his older brother. On the Dark Island Kai is heartbroken Nya got corrupted and swears he’ll help fix her. When Garmadon gets purified Kai looses his shit and gets so excited since let’s goooooo not only is his dad not evil anymore they can go out in public together :DDDD

S3, also not too different. During the whole Love Triangle nonsense Kai’s just sitting there so confused. Also Pixal joins team Kai’s Older Siblings. Him getting captured was just him being at the wrong place wrong time. He has a really fun time time in space though, which was nice.

But uh. Then Zane hecking dies, which hits everyone really hard, especially Kai. Only this time, Nya ends up taking Kai back to Ignacia and opens up the forge again, pretty much cutting all contact with the other ninja, Wu and Garmadon. While it might’ve been boring and lonely, at least in Ignacia they were safe. 

Kai is…honestly really miserable, but hides it well. He can barely get up some mornings, but does so anyway since he’s desperately trying to act like things are normal, despite how Nya doesn’t talk very much. He misses the other ninja a lot, even Pixal despite not knowing her for very long, but doesn’t want to tell Nya since again, trying to make things normal again. Nya also doesn’t let him out of the house too often, only really if she’s there to watch him.

This routine goes on for about two months, until Lloyd shows up to try and get everyone back together. And Nya.....Nya doesn’t like that.

She and Lloyd end up having a bit of a passive aggressive argument that is progressively getting louder until Kai just. Snaps.

He yells at them to stop fighting, how they’re acting so horribly and that he wished things could go back to normal, how Zane wouldn’t want this and that he’d be disappointed in them.

The two visibly flinch.

Then Kai realizes exactly what he just said and who he said it to. And he runs.

Nya and Lloyd both spend some time in silence, mulling over what Kai just said because he was right. Zane would hate what’s become of the team and how they separated.

Nya ends up being the one to break the silence, asking Lloyd where and when to meet.

When Kai doesn’t return from the woods, she ends up leaving a note before she leaves, explaining where she’s going and how she’s sorry.

Meanwhile, Kai is having a slight breakdown in a Tree Base he made years ago.

But yeah, fast forward a bit and Kai’s getting ready to sneak onto Chen’s Island, but in a slightly different way than canon. Instead he takes a slightly experimental ship that’s basically a smaller Bounty which he calls the Destiny’s Wish. Think of the comparison like a Car vs a Go Cart. Comfortably, it can fit 2 people long term, but for quick trips can carry as many as 10, but it’ll be a tight fit and the Wish might have some trouble flying.

So yeah, he’s on his own and he doesn’t arrive until a few hours before the EMs all get dropped from the plane. Shade is actually the one to find him first, but has a moment of pause since Literal Child and gives Kai enough time to kick him into a tree and run. The whole chase actually lasts about two hours but unfortunately Kai isn’t able to get back to the Wish and gets caught.

Now for the fun part :)

So all the EMs(and I do mean all because he wanted to “thank them for their contribution”) are in the throne room, their powers snatched, when Chen said aloud “But it is such a shame that we don’t have the Master of Fire, the we’d be able to complete the spell.” and for the briefest second the Ninja Fam are relieved but then Chen does a whole “SIKE, WE GOT HIM” and has some of the guards bring Kai out.

The Ninja are, understandably, freaking out. The EMs kinda are too since Child but only a little bit and it’s not personal

But then just as Chen’s about to snatch his fire, Kai starts saying how Chen cheated since Kai never got to play in a match. Chen refutes it since His Game His Rules but then Kai says that age old statement to get siblings to do Stupid Shit: “What are you, scared?”

Chen is not scared, thank you very much. And you know what, since you’re so confident fine, you now get your own challenge!

So yeah, now Kai has his own challenge.

What is it you might ask?

A vertical obstacle course with a time limit. If Kai doesn’t grab the Jade Blade, the exit closes.

Not that bad you might think. After all, Kai’s been training with the ninja for the past year, he’s probably got this in the bag.

Yeah welllllllll, a little bird told might have told Chen that a certain Master of Fire couldn’t swim.....so he uses Nya’s power to gradually fill up the room and forcing him up.

Surprise surprise, it was rigged against him. I’m talking platforms having false bottoms, ladders being oiled, high pressure water jets to knock him off, the works.

Kai is so close to making it. So close..... but Chen can’t have that happen now can he :)

So yeah, Kai ends up falling in and Nya almost drags all the EMs into the water trying to get him.

Luckily it’s at that moment Lloyd bursts in with Garmadon, frees the EMs and gets Chen’s staff. The EMs bust out and just as Nya’s about to dive in the whole thing starts draining, like an enormous whirlpool.

You see Chen actually thought ahead and realized that “hey, if the kid dies he’ll loose his power” so he made a plan that when Kai was going to fall in, he would use one of the tubes that shot water but in verse and suck him in. Luckily he was able to pull it off before the gem was smashed because if not MMM.

So yeh, Kai is now captured, but still on the island. Skylor reluctantly copies his powers(she got sort of close with Nya and this is the little brother she was gushing about), and Anacondrai happens. However, the two are able to escape, Skylor’s actually able to figure out the Summon Dragon thing, and then they head back to the main group.

Then comes the inevitable question of “how did you get here anyway?” and then Kai shows them The Wish. He actually ends up flying back with Garmadon before all the EMs learn how to Summon Dragon so they can warn people about the ensuing danger.

So yeah, they head out, the Pythor thing happens, canon then Sad because Garm still needs to do the whole sacrifice thing D:

That one hits Lloyd and Kai really hard, but they both use each other for comfort so it isn’t as bad as it could’ve been.

But yeah, this is getting long so tbc for a part 2 :DDD

[teddy06writes]

Through Thick And Thin

requested by this anon: “If you are still doing requests, could you maybe do a royal AU of a Knight! Awesamdude x royalty reader? Thanks!” 

Awesamdude x reader

trigger warnings: some swearing, mentioned character death

premise: royalty au; you are heir to the throne of the dream smp lands, Sam is the knight who has been sworn to protect you. When L’manburg, a rising power begins to attack, Sam stays by your side, even as the kingdom falls

{also I did my best to keep this gender neutral, but it might’ve ended up leaning for feminine, sorry about that}

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“Do you take one lump or two?” You forced a polite smile onto your face. 

“Two, with lemon, not milk,” Bad said, “Try not to look so bored, you may be able to pull a smile on your face, but your eyes wandering about this room betray you.” 

Etiquette lessons were something you had finished long ago, but your mother had arranged for a brush up, seeing as the ambassadors of L’manburg would be arriving Wednesday. 

You nodded, quietly filling his tea cup with what he requested, and sliding it across the table too him. 

“Now, serve the tea cakes.” Bad instructed. 

As you cut the sponge cake into pieces you let your eyes drift again, look to where Sam stood beside the door. 

He bit back a smile, scrunching his nose at you. 

It took all your willpower not to giggle, regaining composer as you passed the plate across the table. 

~~

“I just think its stupid shit,” You said, tapping the toe of your shoe against the gravel path, “I already know how to poor tea and address nobles.” 

Sam chuckled, looking around the garden, “I suppose you do, but brushing up on those things never hurts.” 

“I did my time learning tea and titles, and dances and all that. I don’t see why I should have to do it any more. You should help me sneak out of lessons.” 

He laughed again, “I don’t know if I can partake in helping you get out of your duties.” 

“You used too.” You fake pouted, moving to sit on one of the benches lining the path.

“Yes well that was before, this is now. I’m not a stable boy any longer. We both have different duties to attend to.” He said, turning to look at you. 

You frowned, “I thought your duties were to protect me.” 

“They are.” 

“Then you’d have to go with me if,,, say I snuck away to go down to the shore tomorrow. Where we used to go in the summer.” You grinned cheekily. 

“Yes, I would have to,” He admitted begrudgingly, “But, considering you have to handle preparations for the ambassadors stay, I would be forced to suggest waiting till after they leave on Friday.” 

You chuckled, “I like the way you think.” 

~~

The morning of the ambassadors arrival came all too quickly, and you woke early, carefully dressing. 

There was a knock on the door, around 9:30, to which you sighed, “Come in.” 

Sam appeared in the door, holding a glass box, “His highness says you must wear this.” 

You look wearily at the small crown he was holding, then back at him, “You’re joking me.” 

He shook his head, “Dream insisted.” 

“Oh for XD’s sake.” you muttered, taking the box, and moving to set it atop your desk.

Slowly you extracted the crown, setting it gently atop your hair, adjusting it slightly in the mirror before turning to Sam, “How’s it look?” 

“Heavy.” He laughed. 

“Oh shut up,” You grumbled, moving past him into the corridor, “How long until the ambassador arrives?” 

“Half an hour or so.” He reported.

~~ Negotiations had began the moment Wilbur Soot and his cabinet members walked in the door, hardly leaving any time for introductions. 

You sat uncomfortably in your chair, these men were not like the ones you were expecting to be meeting. 

They were loud, harsh, and in the young blonde boys case, quite rude.

“Simply put, we don’t want to start a fight if we don’t have to, with you or any of the other neighboring  kingdoms.” Wilbur finished. 

Dream crossed his arms, looking at the treaty that had been placed in front of him, “You want our land?” 

“No, we only want a small piece of your land, just the farms that are technically within L’manburg’s borders,” The young Lord Tubbo clarified, “The original treaty clearly designates them to us.” 

“With all due respect, Mr. President, His Highness never agreed to the original terms.” Bad pointed out. 

George nodded, “Your nation has grown separately, never attached to us, the farms have never been yours.” 

Dream couldn’t help but chuckle as he cocked his head, “Your here for something else, aren’t you?” 

Wilbur sighed, “Yes, I suppose we are. Well, gentlemen, I should come clean. I come here seeking power. Something to put me at an advantage. I came here to ask for (y/n)’s hand in marriage.” 

“Excuse me?” You snapped, eyes wide. 

“You heard me. I wish to make you my betrothed, lord knows its the most you could accomplish in a life time.” He repeated, something malicious in his voice. 

The Dream SMP’s side of the table grew very tense. 

“I reject your proposal,” You stared him dead in the eye, “I would never marry a man like you.” 

Before anyone else could speak, you stood, “Perhaps you’ll work out a different arrangement. If you’ll excuse me.” 

With that you gracefully glided out of the room, loyal knight on your heels. 

It wasn’t until you reached the safety of the farthest garden from the castle that you felt like you could breath again. 

“I’ll kill him,” Sam muttered, pacing along the path, “No one speaks to you like that and gets away with it.” 

You sank onto a bench, pulling the crown from your head and running your hands through your hair, “He’s vile! The whole lot of them are!” 

“They’ll never get away with this. Everyone knows you’re mi-” He stopped himself, shaking his head. 

“Why, for a moment did it look like Dream was actually considering it?” You muttered, tears springing into the corners of your eyes. 

Sam quickly sat beside you, taking your hands, “Hey, I won’t let it happen. You’re- you belong here.... with me.” 

You looked up at him, with wide eyes, “Sam- you really mean that? With you? Truly you’d allow it?” 

Practically the whole palace staff had known since you’d first met Sam that you’d fallen for him. It had seemed like you were always destined to be together. 

“Yes, if you would.” 

You nodded, resting your forehead against his, “I would.” 

For a moment, the world seemed right. 

For a moment, nothing was wrong. 

For a moment, it seemed like there was a chance. 

Until a loud explosion rang through the castle, ripping through the tranquil morning.

Distantly you could hear screams of pain, yells of triumph and fights breaking out. 

Sam quickly stood, turning to the castle, where all the other guards seemed to be running too. 

“Sam...” 

Your shaky voice broke him from his almost trance, “What wrong dove?” 

“Sam they all had gladiolus flowers on there lapels. They all- the all had gladiolus on there lapels.” 

How you hadn’t realized it before you weren’t sure. 

“What?” 

“Gladiolus means ready- or armed.” You said quietly.

Sam stared at you for a moment, before someone else entered the garden, “You really shouldn’t have turned down that proposal (y/n)!” 

“Run!” Sam yelled, grabbing your hand to pull you along with him. 

You ran blindly with him, down the paths and toward the back of the garden. 

Sam pushed you toward the gap in the hedge, “Go! Down by the shore, where we used to go in the summer. Go! I’ll be there as soon as I can, lock yourself inside, and only open up for me.” 

You barley had time to think before he shoved you through the hedge, turning and drawing his sword to face Wilbur. 

~~ You stumbled along the path, you were almost there- almost there- almost to the abandoned light house. 

The sounds of fighting faded behind you as you tripped once more, picking yourself up and going even faster as the sea came into view. 

You threw yourself against the lighthouse door to get it to open, quickly closing it behind you and locking the door. 

You leaned against it, struggling to catch your breath. 

After a moment, your eyes adjusted to the light, and you looked around at the dusty space. 

When you were young, this had been Sam and yours special place, somewhere to avoid lessons. 

The only servant who’d known about it had helped you move furniture out there long ago, and the space seemed semi inhabitable. 

You fumbled to light a lamp, then found your way to a cabinet, looking for a cloth, or rag to clean with. 

Soon you were busying yourself with fixing the place up, desperately trying to ignore the fact that Sam was taking a very long time to get there. 

Once you finished the first floor you climbed the stone steps to the next, and began working there. 

Night had nearly fallen when you heard a rough knock at the door. 

Armed with a small paring knife you’d found in the old kitchen you crept to the door, peaking out the small window to check who it was. 

Quickly you unlocked the door, throwing it open and pulling Sam inside, “Holy shit Sam you had me so worried!” 

He grunted, moving to sit at the table you had turned upright, as you locked the door again. 

“Are you hurt at all?” 

He shook his head, “Just tired, I came the long way, to make sure no one was following. Are you alright?” 

You sighed with relief, “I’ll be okay, long as your here.” 

Sam smiled, “I’ll be here through thick and thin.” 

[nugnthopkns]

dance me to the end of love (iii)

word count: 4.3k

warnings: fem!oc, cursing, potential percy jackson & the olympians spoilers, alcohol consumption, motion sickness and vomiting

series masterpost: here

a/n: this took me a hot sec to finish but here it is! there's a dumb little latin joke in here but that's just because i'm a nerd lmao

Ryan is certainly giving Bette a run for her money in the best friend department.

Magdalene has no intentions of usurping her best friend, but Ryan is quickly becoming the person she talks to most frequently. It started on social media but quickly moved to regular texting, both of them being twenty-five and capable of communicating through more normal channels. The text thread between them isn’t indicative of their newfound friendship – it looks like they’ve been friends since high school. At any given moment at least three conversations are going on, and Magdalene regularly sends him random updates throughout the day. Ryan likes hearing about any interesting artefacts she encounters at work so she keeps mental notes to tell him during their frequent phone calls.

Despite talking to him almost constantly, Magdalene hasn’t seen Ryan since they grabbed lunch at Barn Owl nearly two weeks ago. The lake house trip is a couple days out, and she’s been busy trying to get all her ducks in a row. At work, the current project is coming to an end and Magdalene will be sad to see it go – it’s the first thing she’s been on from start to finish. She’s got a neighbour coming to spend time with Caligula while she’s away so he doesn’t get too upset. Though the days are passing by in a haze as she tries to get ready, Magdalene is excited to get away for a little bit. It’s been a few years since she’s left Denver for more than a night, electing to skip on Bette’s previous vacation invites, and it will be nice to slow down. Life is moving at a comfortable pace, but having some time to pause and breathe will keep Magdalene from feeling too overwhelmed.

Halfway through her last day of work, Magdalene gets a text from Ryan that makes her nearly double over in laughter.

Julius Caesar walks into a bar and says to the bartender “I’ll have a Martinus please!” The bartender replies “Don’t you mean a Martini?” Caesar shakes his head and says “If I wanted double I would have said so.”

It takes her a minute to catch her breath, which piques June’s curiosity. Magdalene recites the joke and her boss rolls her eyes and shakes her head, but does let out a chuckle.

June didn’t think it was funny, but I did. Thank you for making today infinitely better. You riding with us tomorrow?

Magdalene tucks her phone back into her purse, determined to remain focused for the last few hours, and misses the reply telling her that Ryan won’t be riding with Bette, Tyson, and herself, but rather with Cale and his girlfriend to leave enough space for all the gear getting brought. She doesn’t see it until she’s walking across the parking lot to her car and it fills her with a sadness that doesn’t make much sense. He’ll be there for the entire week, so does it matter that he’ll be in a different car for the four hour drive? Magdalene has a sinking suspicion about why she’s upset, but she pushes it down. There’s no space in your life for a relationship right now, she reminds herself as she unlocks the door to her apartment. Caligula is waiting patiently at the door and distracts her thoughts from the handsome man with the kind smile that’s been all she can think about recently.

The cat is incredibly perceptive and knows the regular routine is going to change, making him particularly clingy. He follows Magdalene as she finishes packing, meowing and begging for pets, and she considers bailing on her friends. Caligula has mild separation anxiety and Magdalene doesn’t go away often partly because of it – though another reason is her homebody nature. Only the thought of seeing Ryan keeps her from hanging all her clothes back up.

“Don’t worry little boots,” she coos, “I won’t be gone long. Maria is going to check on you while I’m away, and I’ll be home before you know it.”

It seems ridiculous to speak to her pet as though it’s a child, but Magdalene knows Caligula comprehends what she’s saying. He’s always been smart, and the two of them share a bond that’s hard to explain. She picks him up, puts him in the pocket of her hoodie, and they spend the rest of the night packing and dancing along to the radio.

☼☼☼☼

Bette forgot to mention that the road to the lake house is winding, and Magdalene spends the entire ride with her head between her knees. Motion sickness is something that unfortunately plagues her during journeys longer than a couple of hours and she wishes she would have thought to take anti-nausea medication before leaving the house. Tyson tries to crack a joke about her being a bad passenger, but his girlfriend swats his arm and passes her friend a water bottle with a concerned smile. The two of them speak in hushed tones, almost certainly for Magdalene's benefit, and she does her best not to throw up on the floor of Tyson’s car. After what feels like two decades the vehicle rolls to a stop at the end of a gravel path.

“Mags, we’re here,” Bette says softly, praying that her friend will begin to feel better after stretching her legs and feeling firm ground underneath her.

There’s an unintelligible groan from Magdalene, but she rises out of the car and stumbles into the house. Tyson and Bette insist that she rest and they’ll handle the unloading of the car, so she crawls into one of the empty beds and falls asleep as soon as her head touches the pillow. It’s a dreamless slumber, one fuelled by the pure exhaustion of battling illness while travelling, and when she awakes hours later Magdalene feels oddly refreshed. Her energy level is still relatively low, but she knows that intaking food won’t be an issue.

Padding down the stairs as quiet as possible in an effort to not break the peaceful atmosphere, Magdalene is met with a quiet house. She’s utterly confused – she didn’t sleep long enough to miss dinner and judging by the way the sun is low in the final car full of people should be arriving any minute. For a moment she thinks the group left her in the mountains alone, but then the sound of a trunk closing breaks the silence.

“I fucking told you bro, you should have let me drive!”

Ryan’s voice echoes in Magdalene's ears and her heart skips a beat. She didn’t realize how much she had missed him or how excited she is to see him. Despite everything inside of her saying she should run into his arms Magdalene stays put in the kitchen, running the tap to get a glass of water. She focuses on the mountain on the other end of the lake, framing the setting sun and creating a postcard ready photo. The camera app on her phone is open and angles for the best shot are found. Ryan tumbles through the door a second later, arms filled to the brim with luggage and bags of food.

He drops them the second he sees her, running up behind her and lifting her off the ground. “Mags! Cale almost hit a deer!”

The shock of Ryan’s onslaught of affection catches her off guard, and Magdalene shakes her hand, forcing the picture to turn out as nothing but a blur.

“No hello?” She laughs as Ryan lets her feet touch down on the wooden floor. “It’s the least you could give me after destroying my chance of getting a National Geographic worthy picture.”

He smiles but doesn’t let his hands drop from their perch on her waist. “There’s six more days for you to nail it. I’ll even help if you ask.”

Other bodies enter the house then, causing Magdalene to slink away from Ryan’s touch even though it was the last thing she wanted to do. They’re simply friends, and she doesn’t want Bette to get any ideas. The last thing Magdalene needs on her plate right now is her best friend forcing her to paint a custom denim jacket with Ryan’s number across the back. “I can’t believe you almost hit a deer,” Tyson sighs in disbelief.

“It wasn’t even close,” Cale grumbles, picking up his bags and stomping off to find a place to claim as his own the next couple of days. A petite redhead follows after him, giving a small wave to those in the kitchen before scurrying away. When she asks, Ryan tells Magdalene the girl’s name is Livy, and that she’s Cale’s girlfriend from back home.

Everyone shrugs at his moodiness and disperses. Bette and Tyson stay in the kitchen to make dinner, Ryan goes to claim the final room, and Magdalene slips outside to sit on the patio furniture. The sun has dropped drastically in the past five minutes, causing the air to chill. She wraps her arms tighter around her legs and watches a pair of birds fly over the lake below. It’s so peaceful, a complete one-eighty from the insanity of her life in Denver, and Magdalene thinks about never leaving. She knows it’s impossible, but as she closes her eyes and listens to the quiet laughter of her friends inside the idea seems like a pretty good one.

The sliding door creaks open and Ryan goes through as quietly as possible. He tosses a sweater in Magdalene’s direction as he walks over, plopping down beside her on the small couch.

“Thanks,” she mumbles, slipping the fabric over her head. “I didn’t realize how cold it had actually gotten.”

He smiles in response and shuffles his body a little closer to create extra warmth. Magdalene leans into him, trying to appear casual even though her heart is beating rapidly, and pulls on the strings of the sweater Ryan gave her.

“So, are you excited for this week?”

It’s more awkward than she thought it would be – seeing him in person again, especially since they’ve been texting almost constantly, and the words kind of stick in her throat.

“Honestly? Now that I’m here I am, but I was a little leery about taking time off,” Ryan explains, detailing how he’s trying to improve some aspects of his two-way play and is worried his progress will plateau. Magdalene understands and shares her own worries about taking time off work even if her boss encouraged it.

After catching up quickly and running out of things to say, the pair of them sit in silence watching the sun set until they’re called inside for dinner. It’s nice to just exist, especially with Ryan beside her, and Magdalene feels her heart sink as they separate and he goes to make sure Cale isn’t actually mad at him.

☼☼☼☼

It storms the first two days at the lake house, forcing everyone to stay inside. Tyson complains about how he has less time to drive the boat that came with the property but the others take it in stride. Magdalene spends most of the time reading for pleasure, something she hasn’t been able to do much of the past few years, and Ryan joins her for large chunks of the time. It turns out that he too is an avid reader, and the two of them discuss their favourite novels and series while the other four play board games.

“So you’re telling me you wish Annabeth would have joined the Hunters of Artemis?” Magdalene shrieks in shock, almost knocking the wine out of her glass as her arms flail in disbelief.

“I think it made sense for her to,” Ryan defends.

“But she’s perfect for Percy!”

He sticks to his guns. “I’m not saying she isn’t. I just think that at the time the offer was presented it was the most logical choice. You can’t tell me you haven’t thought about what would have happened if she did.”

She ducks her head in defeat because she had imagined it, on many occasions in fact. When reading the series for the first time in middle school Magdalene had desperately hoped Annabeth would choose the Hunters over Camp Half-Blood, gaining the family she herself never was privy to. They return to reading quietly beside each other, occasionally knocking elbows when trying to turn a page.

Tuesday brings sunshine and clear skies, which means Tyson is trying to corral everyone into the boat as soon as they’re up. Magdalene tries her hardest to get out of it but her pleas fall on deaf ears.

“You’ll be fine, stop being such a wimp,” Cale jests. She knows that he’s just anxious to soak up some sun, but the words hurt more than Magdalene would have liked them to.

Livy swats her boyfriend across the chest. “Enough! If she doesn’t want to come she doesn’t have to.” The smaller girl sends her a kind smile before speaking low enough that only Magdalene can hear her. “I know your book is just getting good and you look like the kind of person who needs alone time to function properly. Enjoy yourself.”

Seemingly excused from the day’s festivities, Magdalene gives a sheepish wave before climbing the small hill to the house. Ryan meets her halfway and is appalled when he hears of her plans.

“Nope, I don’t think so. You’re not leaving me alone to be the ultimate third wheel!”

He has her off the ground and over his shoulder in a millisecond, jogging lightly to catch up with the rest of the group. Magdalene’s laugh bounces off the tree lined shore, and she’s too busy having fun shrieking at Ryan to complain about being forced to spend all day on a boat away from her book. Tyson peels away from the dock before she can regret tagging along, and Bette tugs Magdalene to the bow.

The two girls chat quietly, giggling and sipping on the mimosas they made earlier. Magdalene isn’t a huge day drinker, but Bette makes sure there’s more orange juice than champagne to make her feel less guilty. Livy joins them a while later after becoming sick of the boys and their shenanigans. It’s nice to hang out with a group of girls that aren’t competing for the top spot in a class, Magdalene decides, and she revels in the stories they tell of going to hockey games and babysitting the children of players so they can catch a break. Twinges of jealousy creep up at the wonderful family dynamic the Avalanche seem to have, but she stomachs them. She reminds herself that other people deserve to have support systems and excuses herself from the conversation.

Magdalene slides into the free space beside Ryan, and without thinking he wraps an arm around her shoulder. It feels so natural that she wonders if it’s how he greets all his friends, but the looks of shock and Tyson and Cale’s faces say otherwise. After a bit more cruising they find a small bay to anchor in for a while. The sun had climbed to the middle of the sky and is unbearably warm, leaving everyone no choice but to jump into the water to cool off. Magdalene does her best to float peacefully a short distance away from the group but is somehow brought into a splashing war because the teams aren’t equal.

Eventually the constant barrage of water chills her to the bone, and Magdalene swims back to the boat. She watches from the sidelines and cheers for her old teammates with a towel wrapped snugly around her. Ryan breaks from the group too, insisting it isn’t fair to have teams on unequal strength. Once dry, he picks up the baseball cap he brought and places it delicately on Magdalene’s head.

“Your cheeks are starting to go pink and I don’t want you to burn,” he explains, passing her a bottle of sunscreen as well.

“Thanks Ry.”

They muse about the idyllic beauty of the scene in front of them until everyone rejoins them. For reasons unbeknownst to Magdalene Tyson is in a rush to get back to the house, which leads to him driving very fast and a little erratically. The contents of her stomach threaten to come up but she holds them down, tightening her grip on the leather seat. A wave crests and Tyson hits it head on, causing the boat to lurch and rock. Magdalene knows it’s going to happen before it does and leans over the side to save a mess from being created. All the alcohol and food she’d consumed throughout the day is no longer in her body, and heat creeps up the back of her neck. She’s embarrassed – what twenty-five year old gets sea sick?

“Are you okay?” Ryan asked, not bothering to hide the concern in his voice.

She tries to smile but it comes out more like a grimace. “I just, uh, get motion sick really easily.” Bette passes her a water bottle and she drinks it quickly, eager to get the taste out of her mouth.

Ryan lets Magdalene curl into his side the rest of the way home, and rubs comforting circles on her back to ease her discomfort, doing his best to ignore the stares from his friends.

☼☼☼☼

The trip comes to an end much more quickly than Magdalene would have liked. Tomorrow morning they’ll pack up and drive back to Denver, returning to their normal hectic schedules. Cale and Livy are heading back to Alberta for the rest of the summer, and Bette and Tyson will be going for a visit as well. She’s heard Ryan mention going home in passing, which most likely means he doesn’t have plans to stay. Magdalene will be all alone in Colorado, but she’s used to it. The only issue being friends with professional athletes is that they leave. She’s been dealing with the loss since Bette and Tyson got together years ago – having them around as her support system most of the year and then them disappearing for a couple of months.

Not wanting to think about how soon she’ll be alone, Magdalene heads outside and starts a campfire. It’s a skill she picked up as a kid and it has come in handy over the years. The newspaper crinkles under the flame from the lighter, and soon the kindling is burning well. Everyone else is still inside, cleaning up from dinner and preparing for one last night in paradise. She places a few blocks of wood in the fire pit once there’s a good enough flame and curls up in a chair, lost in thought about what comes next. There’s rustling from somewhere behind her but she pays it no mind, assuming it’s a small animal wandering through the forest.

“Can I offer you some company?” a voice says softly, waiting for a response. The movement wasn’t a raccoon but in fact Ryan, and Magdalene gestures at the chair beside her with a smile.

He passes her a glass of white wine, which she takes with an appreciative hum. They sit in silence for a moment, admiring the beauty of the setting sun. “I’m going to miss it,” Ryan sighs, leaning back in his chair and extending his legs.

She nods. “Me too. It’s so quiet up here. Denver gets too loud sometimes.”

“Tell me about it. I’m not just going to miss the lake though, it’s also lounging around and not having to worry about hockey. And you.”

The ending comes out rushed, and Magdalene isn’t sure she heard him correctly. “Me?”

Ryan looks at her like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Yes you. Why wouldn’t I? You’re funny, smart, and catch all of my West Wing references. There’s no one who gets me quite like you, even back home.”

It takes her by surprise. They’ve only known each other for a few months, and only really started associating after the party at Bette and Tyson’s. There has to be somebody who knows him better than she does. When she voices her opinion Ryan just scoffs, saying that people treat him as one-dimensional because he plays hockey. Somehow the conversation shifts to Magdalene, and when she lets it slip she gets lonely in Denver without her friends, Ryan asks the question she’s been dreading.

“So why don’t you get a boyfriend?”

“I can’t just get a boyfriend because my friends are gone,” she laughs, but there’s an edge to it, like she’s unsure of where this will go and how to question the follow ups.

He rolls his eyes. “I know that, but like, I don’t know, wouldn’t it be nice to not be alone all the time?”

It would be, Magdalene thinks, but she just shrugs. “I guess I’m not looking for a relationship right now. I just finished school and for the first time in a long time I can focus on myself.” She leaves out the part where Ryan gives her butterflies and that if he asked she’d probably jump headfirst into a relationship with him.

The topic is dropped then because Tyson comes out of the house screaming about the night is going to be wild because it’s their last together for a while. Magdalene and Ryan share a look of mild panic, but both of them are itching to have fun with friends so they raise their glasses in salute before finishing them in one gulp.

Magdalene drinks more than she should and wakes in the morning with a killer hangover. It seems that no one else is better off though, all stumbling around looking for Advil and coffee like it’s going to be their last meal. Packing up takes a bit longer than expected, but they’re still out before the official checkout time. There’s a bit of discourse on who Magdalene will travel home with. Bette wants her in Tyson’s car, no doubt to talk about how close her and Ryan seem to be, but Cale offers to bring her with them. His reasoning is that Ryan is driving him and Livy directly to the airport, and having the front seat could be good for her motion sickness. It’s ultimately Magdalene’s choice and the idea of having more time with Ryan before he leaves is too enticing to pass up. She bids her other friends goodbye, promising to come over for dinner before they fly out, and climbs into the cab of Cale’s truck.

Once again she’s a less than ideal passenger, but this time it’s because she sleeps the entire way back to Denver. The drinking took it out of her and coupled with the queasiness in her stomach from the winding roads sleep is the only thing that makes sense. So much for extra time with Ryan she thinks as she wakes up in the airport parking lot.

“Sleeping beauty has risen!” Ryan chuckles, “Why don’t you get out and stretch your legs for a sec? We have the parking spot for another fifteen minutes.”

Magdalene does as suggested because truthfully her joints are a little stiff, and finds Cale and Livy grabbing their bags from the back. She hugs them goodbye and wishes them safe travels, which Cale returns with a warning not to get into too much trouble before heading for the entrance. Once both of them are safely inside the confines of the airport, Ryan and Magdalene get back in the vehicle and finish the last leg of the trip.

She directs Ryan to her apartment complex, and he mentions that he’s never been in this area of the city. “That’s because you have no need to be around a bunch of university kids,” she laughs. Once they pull into the parking lot, he offers to help her take up her bag. It’s only a small suitcase Magdalene could definitely handle herself, but she wants him to come up, to prolong her time with him.

Magdalene’s keys jingle in the lock as the door opens. Ryan follows her in and shuts the door carefully, not wanting to disrupt the aura of peace that permeates the space. From what he can tell, the average size apartment is the perfect reflection of Magdalene – packed full of books and plants and feels very put together despite the owner being only twenty-five. After their shoes find a home on the boot rack and the coats they brought for the drive home are hung in the closet she leads Ryan into the living room. There’s a soft purring by his feet, and Ryan looks down to see an animal. He never pegged Magdalene as someone to keep pets.

“Who’s this?” he asks, bending down to pet the small white cat.

“That’s Caligula.”

A puzzled look graces Ryan’s features. “Who?”

“Caligula,” Madalene giggles. “You can call him little boots if you’d like. He’ll respond.” She picks up the animal when it comes to her and scratches gently behind its ear.

“Why would you name your cat something dumb like Caligula, and why does it respond to little boots?”

It’s then the woman realizes that not everyone understands the reference. “Caligula was the third emperor of Rome,” she explains, “But his real name was Gaius. He gained the nickname Caligula as a child and it just stuck. It translates to little boots in Latin.”

Ryan is in awe of Magdalene for what feels like the millionth time. Of course someone as smart as her would have a crazy name for a pet and have the knowledge to back it up. He feels his chest tighten with affection but he wills it away. She isn’t looking for anything right now, he reminds himself. Magdalene’s self-professed inability to reciprocate his feelings is frustrating, but Ryan knows he’d wait forever for her.

☼☼☼☼

additional notes: catch some extra content here!

taglist: @scrunchmakar @marcoscandellas @toplinetommy @ricohenrique @lovethepreds @cutiesara23 @hockeyallthetime @stlbluesbrat21 (add yourself to the taglist!)

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

‘Round Here

Drabble, one shot? Who knows!

"Reader is chased down after crossing the wrong biker.” + Bucky! as requested by anonymous

"Reader walks into the wrong bar." + Bucky as requested by 👀 @navybrat817​

Warning: noncon sex, fingering, unedited.

“Are you serious?” You asked Maddie as you looked around the smoky bar.

The cloud of cigarette smoke was your first hint that this was a dive. Actually, your second as Maddie always managed to find the scummiest places. It truly was a gift. Not an enviable, but nonetheless, a skill.

You sat at a table for two and tried to ignore the leers from the table next to you. You regretted wearing a skirt already. A particularly greasy looking man with a beard to his belly button grumbled something lewd into his beer. You were thankful you hadn’t understood his words, though his tone made his intent clear.

“What do you want?” The terse waitress chewed gum as she approached you with hand on hip. Her leather vest covered a fringed crop top and her skirt was barely longer than that.

“You got tequila?” Maddie asked.

“It’s a bar,” The waitress rolled her eyes and popped her gum.

“No tequila,” You argued with Maddie.

“We’ll have two shots of tequila alongside two rye and gins,” She ignored you and tossed back her curly hair.

“Fine,” The waitress shrugged. “We ain’t got any limes left.”

“Amazing,” Maddie said dryly and smiled at the waitress. You were left with haughty glare and huff.

“I don’t think this is the place to harass the staff, Mads,” You looked around nervously.

“Oh, bleh. You know, my dad used to hang out in places like this.” She trilled. “It was fun. My uncle was even part of the club.” She lowered her voice and leaned over the table. “They don’t like being called a gang.”

“Well, Maddie, I think as a kid you might not have seen the whole picture,” You uttered. “You told me we were going dancing.”

“We dance here,” She paused and listened to the dingy classic rock and bobbed her head. “Yeah, sing it Axel.”

“This is Van Halen, you weirdo,” You hissed.

The waitress returned and set down your drink, paying no heed to the way the spilled over the rim with her force. Maddie offered her a card and was greeted with another sigh. The waitress marched away and returned shortly with the receipt and the card. She flicked it onto the table and took off to the next.

“Alright, if none of these goons kill us, she definitely will,” You shook your head.

Maddie pushed a shot toward you and took hers with a devious smile.

“Have a little fun for once in your life,” She chimed. “Jesus.”

“Fun? Maddie your fun isn’t fun. It’s scary.”

“On three,” She raised her shot. “One, two, three.”

You knocked it back and coughed as you slammed it back down. You hated tequila, not least because of the taste. The last time you had a taste, you remember the inhumanly lean which had you using a chair to stand.

“Mmm,” She looked around for the waitress.

“No more,” You slid one of the rye drinks in front of her. “You got another drink to nurse. I mean it, take it easy. I don’t wanna carry you out of here.”

“Boo,” She took her glass and drank half in a gulp. “Look at all these strong men, they’ll help.”

“You don’t want their help,” You sputtered. “Mads, I mean it. After this drink, we’re finding somewhere else.”

You brought your glass to your lips, irritated, and peered around the bar with a scowl. As much as you worried for your safety, and especially Maddie’s given her lack of a filter, you were tempted to give her a good smack yourself. 

Why did you even trust her anymore? You recalled very clearly her squatting in an alley only a month ago, pissing on the pavement as you tried to figure out where exactly you were. Fun.

You stopped as your gaze met another’s. You blinked and averted your eyes as you lowered your glass. You glanced over your shoulder, foolishly. There was only a wall there. You look at Maddie and smiled nervously.

“Oh man,” She shifted in her seat. “Wish I hadn’t downed that vodka before.”

“What?” You huffed. “Maddie, how much have you had tonight?”

“I dunno but, whew,” She slapped the table. Her glass was empty. “It’s time to break the seal.”

“Wait, I’m almost done, we can go--”

“Nope, too late,” She stood. “I mean it, if I don’t find the bathroom, I’m gonna piss on this chair.”

“Maddie, you always were so eloquent,” You snipped. “Just hurry up.”

She winked and walked away clumsily. She flagged down the grouchy waitress and was pointed towards a doorway on the other side of the bar. You glanced around and again, found the same set of eyes watching you; deep, blue sapphires. You looked down and grabbed your purse. You slipped out your phone and unlocked it.

You pretended to be interested in it as you hugged your purse to you. You just wanted to go. Now.

“Don’t think I’ve seen you here before,” The voice had you rigid and your head snapped up as your fingers tightened around your phone. “You need a refill.”

“No, I’m not done,” You grimaced and tapped your glass. “Thank you though. My friend is just--”

“Ah, don’t worry,” He turned to the table next to you and snapped at a man in a skullcap. The man stood and spun his chair to offer to the man. The stranger sat and shuffled the chair closer. “Name’s Bucky.”

You stared at him. You glanced over at the doorway Maddie had disappeared through and swallowed. You gave your name without looking at him and instead checked the time on your phone. You chewed your lip.

“Actually, you know, me and my friend have a reservation.” You said as you rose. “I’ll just go check on her.”

“She didn’t seem in such a hurry.” He stood and blocked you. “What’s the matter? You don’t like me?”

“It’s not-- Look, I’m just… gonna…” You skirted around the table and flitted past him. “I gotta make sure she’s okay.”

You felt him watching you as you wove around the tables, barely missing one with your hip. You ducked through the doorway and found your way to the ladies’. Inside, Maddie was sloppily lathering her hands up in soap.

“Hurry up,” You sneered. “Now. We’re going.”

“Oh, don’t be such a pooper,” She moped.

You reached and shoved her hands under the faucet. You tore a length of paper towel free from the dispenser and forced it into her grasp. You dried your hands and hers, like she was a child, and you pulled her out of the restroom.

You peeked into the barroom then further down the hall. You dragged Maddie down to the fire exit and angled her through into the back alley.

“What’s going on?” She giggled. “You’re acting weird.”

“Mads, look, we couldn’t stay there,” You hurried out to the sidewalk and turned down the street. “We can go wherever you want, drink as much as you want but we’re not staying there. Okay?”

“Fine, fine,” She wrenched her arm away from you. “Jesus, you sound like my mom.”

“Let’s go to Nova.” You coaxed. “Remember when we danced on the table!”

“Oooh,” Her eyes focused. “Okay, but this time you can’t ditch me.”

“I didn’t, you pushed me off,” You elbowed her. “Come on, I think it’s ladies’ night.”

☠

When you got to the club, it was already packed. Even so, Maddie pushed her way to the bar and forced another drink on you. You found a spot on the dance floor but it wasn’t long before she recognized someone else and you were joined by several other girls and even a few boys.

You danced and tried to forget the rocky start to the evening but still found yourself on edge. You set aside your empty cup and tried to get more into the old 90s tune. You spun, almost drunk enough to really get wild, and stopped dead, your arms falling to your sides. 

You squinted through the flashing lights. It was him. That man from the bar. Oh, fuck, he was heading right toward you. He seemed to march across the floor between the bodies, barely flinching as his shoulders were knocked by inebriated dancers. Only a few feet away as he smirked at you.

You turned and dove into the circle of Maddie’s friends. She was too tipsy to notice as she tried to twerk. You pushed past them and tripped as you barrelled into another dancer. You didn’t even apologize as you kept on and headed for the door. You kept low, unable to see if the man was following you through all the bodies.

You got to the back stairwell, marked staff only, that led from one floor to the next. The club had three levels; one for retro, one for modern hits, and the lower floor for rock. You slipped through the door and caught your breath on the other side. You didn’t stop for long as you stumbled down the steps on your chunky heels.

As you tripped and hit the wall, you heard the door open again. You pushed yourself straight and wobbled around the corner to the next flight. You peeked up as the man came into sight. So certain he barely rushed as he descended after you.

You scrambled down the next flight as he got closer. You felt your feet tangle and prepared to fly into the wall face first. He caught the back of your shirt before you could and his arm wrapped around your waist. He stepped down onto even ground behind you.

“Ah, we don’t want that pretty face gettin’ messed up,” He purred as the dull pulse of music came through the wall.

“What do you want?” You grabbed his hand as it crept lower on your stomach.

“I think you know, sweetheart,” He grabbed your hip and turned you around. He pushed you into the wall and pinned you with his other arm across your chest. “You come into my place and won’t even say hello.”

“What are you-- No, I--” 

“Shhhh,” He hushed as he leaned closer, his arm heavy against you as his other hand brushed over your skirt. “You don’t wear this,” His fingers curled under the hem along your thigh. “And not want attention.”

“Stop,” You tried to grab his hand as he ripped your skirt up. “Stop!”

“Go on and yell,” He chuckled. “You think anyone will hear you.”

“Someone will--”

“And what are they gonna do?” 

He shoved his hand against your crotch and kicked his foot between yours. He forced your legs apart and pressed his fingers to your panties. He rubbed you through the thin cotton and you felt as if your chest would collapse as his other arm kept you in place. 

He carefully drew your panties aside and ran his finger between your fold. You gasped and pushed on his shoulder.

“No,” You breathed. “Please--”

“Please,” He growled and added another finger, dragging them back and forth until he felt you slicken. “You don’t sound very convincing, sweetheart.”

He played with your clit and you bit into your lip. It felt good as your drunken wits slaked away easily. As your pleasure overwhelmed your fear. He continued to swirl his fingers around until your breath was thick and shallow.

He poked around your entrance and sank inside. You pushed your head back and moaned. He pulled his fingers in and out as your walls quivered around him. Your hand slipped down his shoulder and his own arm fell from your chest. 

He smoothly undid his fly and pushed his jeans open. He withdrew his fingers from your cunt and grabbed his swollen cock. He grabbed your leg and hiked it up against him as he leaned into you. He guided himself blindly over your fold and crushed your arms between your bodies.

He took you off your feet as he impaled you. You cried out and grasped the front of his leather jacket. Your lips formed an O as you stared into his darkened blue eyes. He thrust as he held your leg against him, rocking to the beat of the music. 

He lifted your other leg and had you propped up against the wall as he sped up. You freed your arms and stretched them across the painted concrete as he crashed into you over and over. You tried to hold in your pathetic whine as the heat of delight mixed with that of the alcohol that seared your stomach. Your eyes rolled back as you came, your purse smack against your side as this man held you at his mercy.

He hissed as his hips stuttered. His fingers pressed into your hips and he trembled. You opened your eyes as he pulled out suddenly and drew a hand back to stroke himself through his climax, his cum spurting onto the skirt bunched up around your waist.

He shuddered and grinned as he looked up at you. He slowly lowered you to your feet, your legs were like jelly. You stood straight, warily and he caught your arm. He spun you to face the concrete and pressed himself against your back as his voice gristled in your ear.

“You don’t really think we’re done here, do you?”

[ushijimaenthusiast]

oiten birthday fic/date night

[ao3]

Satori is so good at reading his boyfriend that he doesn’t even open his mouth before Satori is tightening the arm around his shoulders and leaning in, whispering, “Chill, babe. It’s fine.”

Tooru’s back straightens as he gives Satori a side-eyed glare. “You don’t even know what I was going to do.”

Satori just grins, shuffling them a little further in line. “Sure I do. You were gonna talk shit.”

If possible, Tooru’s glare turns even more vicious.

“They deserve it. If I don’t say something, they’ll just think it’s okay to keep doing it.”

“But are they really worth your time? I’m not bothered by it, so you shouldn’t be.”

“But you should!” Tooru’s shout draws a few glances their way, but he’s so heated he doesn’t even notice. Satori doesn’t care. “They’re being fucking rude and should be put in their place because if not they’ll continue to do the same thing and it could be towards someone who’s not as strong as you are.”

Satori’s smile falters a little at that, unused to such a compliment, but it’s all the hesitation Tooru needs before he’s spinning around to the couple in the opposite line who’ve been giving them dirty looks since they walked in the door. Satori’s not sure if it’s because of the way they’re dressed (Satori in comfy sweats and a tattered hoodie and Tooru decked out in his tightest pants and crispest button-up), or if it’s because someone as hot as Tooru is practically clinging to someone like Satori. Either way, Satori has learned to ignore such looks, but Tooru hasn’t.

He’s not used to how judgmental and negative people can be just for how one looks. He’s never been ostracized or called dirty names for the way he dresses or for acting too weird in public. He’s always been a prim and proper sort of boy, someone who uses words to sort things out instead of hiding behind a hand. Satori doesn’t fault him for feeling protective and wanting to set things right; he just wishes it was warranted.

“It’s not like we ever even said anything,” the woman butts in, knowing Tooru is about to attack. Her voice is high and nasally, and it instantly grates on Satori’s nerves.

“You didn’t have to. Your face reads Judgmental Bitch to anyone looking at you.”

She sputters as a few chuckles rise around them. Her partner looks too stunned for words, and Satori takes that pause to tighten his grip around Tooru’s waist and draw him closer to his body, shutting him up momentarily.

“Listen,” Satori says lazily, hardly sparing them another look, “just keep your eyes on yourself and we won’t have any more problems, m’kay?” He ends it with a leer, and tugs Tooru down the line as they shuffle forwards. Some of the other customers give them appreciative glances, while others glare just as rudely as the couple. Tooru gives one more glare at the couple before huffing and facing forward, curling tighter around Satori.

Without any hassle they buy their popcorn and drinks, steering clear of the couple as they make their way to their designated theater. Tooru relaxes even further when the couple goes into a separate one.

“Happy now?” Satori asks as they enter the darkened room. Trailers haven’t started yet, so it’s eerily quiet in the wide-open space, especially since there are only two other groups in the room. They head for the back row, both happy to see it empty.

Tooru huffs, and Satori sees him shrugging. “I coulda said a few more things if you hadn’t stopped me.”

“Oh, I know,” Satori chuckles. He slides into the row first and heads towards the middle. “But then we’d probably have gotten kicked out and wouldn’t be able to see this movie we’ve both been waiting to see for ages and would have to wait until it’s available to stream or find a way to illegally download it and where’s the fun in that? Besides,” Satori kicks down his seat and plops in, draping one arm over the chair Tooru sits in, “you shouldn’t let people like them get to you. They’re a waste of everything.”

“I don’t know how you handle it,” Tooru mumbles. “It makes my skin crawl.”

Satori lowers his arm from the back of the seat to Tooru’s shoulders, drawing him closer so he can place a faint kiss at his boyfriend’s temple. “And that’s what makes you a better person than them and me.”

“Shut up,” Tooru mutters, swatting at Satori’s chest. “You know I think you’re great.”

“And that’s all that matters.”

Tooru just sighs and snuggles closer to Satori as the lights dim and the trailers start to roll.

Satori doesn’t know how he got this lucky. How someone as beautiful and loyal as Oikawa Tooru, an ex-volleyball player and all-around Good Guy, managed to fall in love with the batshit weirdness that is Tendou Satori, a college dropout and general waste of space. Even with the years between them, Satori still finds it hard to believe that Tooru loves him, that he’s willing to put time and effort into their relationship, despite the onlookers that speculate and judge whenever they’re out in public.

Like tonight. Satori knows his attire could have been less sloppy, but he likes to be comfortable when watching movies. And no matter where they go, Tooru likes to dress up for dates. Tooru doesn’t hate him for not putting more effort into his wardrobe, and that’s something Satori appreciates immensely. He also has no qualms about complimenting his boyfriend’s choice of clothes and how they make him look, since complimenting Tooru is one of his favorite things.

There’s so many things about Tooru that Satori considers his favorite that he has a little black box in pocket that’s burning a hole against his thigh. He’s carried it with him everywhere for the last year, unsure of when he wanted to pop the question or if it’s something he should even ask. He’s still not even sure if Tooru’s birthday is a good time to propose, not even sure if it’s something his boyfriend would want to happen. The subject has come up sparingly, and even though Satori wishes he could say there’s no way Tooru would reject him, this is one guess he’s loath to make.

Satori loves Tooru and would take whatever Tooru is willing to give. Marriage isn’t the end all be all of a relationship. They’ve been happy and content without this label, so there’s really no reason why Satori has to take this next step.

He doesn’t pay much attention to the movie, as his mind continues to wander towards what’s supposed to come after. He promised Tooru a movie and a surprise, and they both know Tooru doesn’t like surprises. He can’t help it when his palms start to sweat and he has to pull away from his boyfriend on more than one occasion so he can feel like he can breathe again, pointedly ignoring the tiny looks of concern Tooru throws at him each time he does it.

By the end of the movie, though, Satori can feel Tooru’s anger radiating off him. He doesn’t even wait for the lights to turn back on before he’s springing out of his chair and moving down the aisle, attempting to escape the theater quickly.

Satori can’t even run after him like he knows he should. He just sits there, ignoring the way the lights aren’t coming back on, and a post-credit scene rolls. All he can focus on is Tooru’s retreating figure and the pounding of his heart, not sure what the hell he’s supposed to do.

Eventually, he’s kicked out long after the lights have come back on and the theater attendant needs to prepare it for the next showing. Satori walks slowly towards their parked car, his heart racing a mile a minute as he sees it’s actually still parked here and not long gone.

Tooru is leaning against the passenger side door, his foot tapping wildly with his arms crossed over his chest. He catches sight of Satori approaching, but turns away and ignores him. Satori knows that’s acceptable, knowing he deserves the anger that’s brewing from his boyfriend.

He unlocks the car slowly, belatedly realizing that’s why the car and Tooru are still here because Satori had the keys, and gets in the driver’s seat. Tooru makes his entrance loud, making it clear he’s unhappy.

But Satori doesn’t start the car. He doesn’t want to fight, doesn’t want to drag this out any longer. If for some reason in his anger, or just in his heart, Tooru rejects his proposal, then Satori can hand him the keys and he’ll walk--somewhere. He’ll give Tooru the night to cool off and they could discuss things further tomorrow--

“Will you just tell me what's wrong with you already?” Tooru demands.

Satori blinks and turns to stare at Tooru. He does look angry, rightfully so, but there’s hurt there too. Confusion and worry are dancing behind it all, and Satori hates himself a little more for putting it there.

He sucks in a breath, knowing it’s now or never and not wanting to drag this out any longer. Without saying anything he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box, offering it to Tooru.

“I was getting nervous,” Satori starts, not really liking the way Tooru’s face closed off at the sight of the box, how he’s not even breathing, it seems. “I wanted it to be perfect, to be romantic, but then I started over-thinking and now you’re pissed and it’s not really the best time or maybe even the best idea and I can see your answer already and I’m sorry, I’m sorry if this isn’t something you want. I can--I can take it back or, or something. I’ll--I’ll, I don’t know, I’ll just--”

“You’ll shut up, is what you’ll do.'' The demand is so calm it has Satori’s jaw clacking shut as he stares at Tooru. His boyfriend--maybe ex?--continues to stare at the box before slowly taking it from Satori’s still outstretched hand. He opens it slowly, stares at the ring for what feels like years, before he closes the lid and finally looks up at Satori.

There are tears in his eyes.

The information has even more panic running through Satori. He’s fucked up, he’s messed up so monumentally somehow that he knows this’ll be the death of him. He’ll remember this moment forever as the day he--

He’s being kissed. Sweetly, tenderly. Tooru has a shaking hand cupping his cheek as he tries to kiss Satori again. Maybe it takes too long for Satori’s brain to register what’s happening because then Tooru is pulling back and wiping at his eyes.

“Do you really mean this?” he whispers. He’s still holding onto the box, but all Satori can focus on are the tears building in his boyfriend’s eyes.

He nods, still too numb to speak.

And then Tooru is lurching forward, wrapping his arms around Satori’s neck in the tightest embrace they’ve probably ever shared.

“You’re a fool if you thought I’d reject you,” he whispers against Satori’s ear. He can feel tears sliding between them, but he doesn’t care. “You’re stupid, and I love you, I love you.”

“Yeah?” Satori manages to say. He pulls back from Tooru enough to look him in the eyes, despite his own vision going a little blurry.

“Of course, dummy. It’s only you.”

“Always you,” Satori mutters back, part of the saying they’ve adopted over their time together. Only you, always you. Satori always figured it’d be a limited sort of saying, and there’s still that possibility, despite a more permanent label. But he’ll take it. He’ll cherish it for as long as it lasts.

Satori pulls Tooru back in again, kissing him on the cheek before burrowing his face against the side of Tooru’s neck. He can smell his cologne, popcorn, and a little bit of sweat. He breathes in deeply, loving everything there is to love about Tooru and hoping he’ll get to love it for many more years to come.

“Happy birthday, Tooru.”

[dayseternal-blog]

Summary: % Sweet - What’s a guy to do when he has a cute customer?  Bubble tea shop AU.

Part 1 of a series of fluffy short one-shots in Modern AU.

For @badluckbrebis for NaruHina Secret Santa 2020!  I have more planned for this gift exchange, so please stay tuned.  I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE THESE.

Rating: G

% Sweet

With a gallon of milk in each hand, Naruto saunters down the road from the nearby supermarket back to Kyuu-Tea, his part-time.

The sun’s finally starting to set, sending a golden hue across the cooling afternoon.  It’s been good weather.  Which means they’ll have a good amount of customers heading in for a boba drink before dinner.  Hopefully, that girl, too-

The sound of a car door shutting closed draws his attention.

Her.  Long, dark blue hair and skin as creamy as genmaicha milk tea.

His heart thumps almost violently in his chest like a gunshot at a race.  He’s making a mad dash back to the shop, throwing the door open, bursting in, and he announces to Sasuke with an uncontrolled yell, "SHE'S COMING!  I saw her!!"

Sasuke stands straighter behind the counter with a concerned and curious, “Who?”

But he’s already rushing into the back to shove the milk into the fridge before flying back out to the floor.  “The girl from last night,” he gasps as he frantically straightens chairs and takes panicked glances at each table for any stray straw wrappers lying around.

Sasuke’s brows are high on his forehead as Naruto runs back behind the counter and pushes him away from the register.

And hardly five seconds later, he sees her appearing on the other side of the windows, pulling the door open, laughing with a friend with double buns.  The friend’s got that street-sporty look that he’d usually be into, but the girl is just soo pretty...and especially after what Sakura told him...

Naruto can’t help smiling stupidly at her.

She glances at him, and her gaze dances away, a shy smile coloring her sweet face.  She approaches the counter, her eyes focused on the menu, but he’s quite certain that she’s already decided.

“Hi,” he greets.

“Hello,” and finally, she looks at him head-on, and damn, he’s really never seen eyes like hers before in his life.

“The same as last time?” he asks.

Those light eyes widen in surprise, and he can’t help mentally patting himself on the back.  “Oh, yes,” she murmurs in soft tones that leave him wanting to hear more.

“Medium Winter Melon Tea Latte?”

She nods.

“With light sugar?”

She nods again, that blush on her cheeks almost good enough to compensate for her silence.

He taps her order onto the touchscreen.  “...And small boba?”

“Yes, thank you.”

He grins despite knowing that he’s way too excited about such a customary phrase.  “That’ll be $4.95.”

She nods again, opening her purse and retrieving a $5 bill for him.

“Thank you...here’s your change.”

She takes it and promptly drops the nickel into the tip jar.

He’s still smiling at her even as she turns around.

She’s cutely biting her lips, and he hears her quietly remark to her friend, “He remembered my order.”

“What, really?” the other girl gasps.

He smiles wider and steps away from the register, super proud of himself.  “Sasuke, can you get the next one for me?”

“Oh.”  Sasuke hands him the plastic cup for that girl before taking his spot at the register back.

And Naruto gets to work, all the while wondering if she’s watching him or not.

Gods, he really hopes she’s into him like Sakura said she is.

Sealing the lid to the cup, he grabs a big straw for her and neglects calling out that her finished order is ready in favor of taking it directly to the table where she and her friend are seated.  “Here’s your Winter Melon Tea Latte.”

Again, she looks at him with that incredibly surprised expression.  “O-oh, thank you.”

“No problem.”  He grins for a second before turning around, but disappointment quickly settles in.  That’s pretty much the end of their interactions for the rest of the night.

The number of customers starts picking up again, as he predicted.

But his straying gaze to her table doesn’t go unnoticed.  She catches him every so often, blushes, and looks away.

He hopes that he’s not coming off as creepy.  It's just that he can’t stop thinking about her.

And who can really blame him?  When they came last night, Sakura quickly told him before they left the shop that her friend thinks he’s hot!

Hot, as in like, should he try to pursue her?  Or was that just a passing, shallow compliment?

But they’re here again and…

Turning to Sasuke, he blurts out his conundrum in as hushed an urgent whisper as he can.  “Should I try talking to her?”

But Sasuke seems not nearly as invested in this as he should be.  “If you wanna talk to her, then talk to her.”

He wishes he wasn’t such a dork.  Then maybe he’d have the nonchalant attitude necessary to just walk up to girls and start hitting on them.

They could leave at any second now.  And now is as good as it’s going to get while there’s a lull in the work.

So sucking up his self-consciousness, he strides over to their table again.

She’s looking at him shyly.

“Uh, hi,” he starts.  Really smooth of him.

Her friend is making eyes between the two of them, and, honestly, this is the most awkward thing he’s ever tried to do in his life.

“Hello,” she greets.

The friend also says, “Hi.”

“I heard you-”  He abruptly stops.  What’s he actually trying to say here, that he heard she thinks he’s hot?!  “-I, I’m friends with Sakura, and uh-”

She’s nodding.

Thankfully, the friend intervenes.  “Yeah, Sakura wanted to show us this place where her friends work.  You guys have good tea.”

“Thanks.”  He awkwardly smiles, wondering how he got himself into this mess.  Why can’t he talk like a normal person right now?  “Glad you guys liked it enough to come back again.”

She smiles and nods.

“Uh…”  Now what.  Now what is he supposed to do.  “...Can I have your number?  O-or, I could give you mine if you’d be more comfortable…”

She’s nodding, taking out her phone.

“...with that… um…”  He watches her unlock her phone and open up a new contact page.  “My number is…”

She taps in his phone number, and he really hopes she’ll actually contact him, and that he’s not going to be the next fool in their girl-talk.

But with that sweetly shy look, she peeks back up at him, and his hope multiplies ten-fold.  He must be doing something right for her to look at him like that...

“Um...what was your name again?” she nearly whispers.

Embarrassed heat slams into his face and beats down at his neck.  “Oh!"  He really is a fool of all fools.  "I’m Naruto.  Naruto Uzumaki.  Sorry…”

She shakes her head, a small smile playing at her lips as she enters his name into her phone.

“A-and your name?” he ventures to ask.  He wishes he could start this whole conversation over.  They are definitely going to be laughing about him after this.

“I’m Hinata.  And-”  She looks at her friend.  “-This is Tenten.”

Tenten raises a hand up from the table as if to separate herself from their conversation.  “Don’t mind me.”

He grimaces in renewed embarrassment, muttering an apology that he’s not sure the other girl heard over Hinata’s much more embarrassed cry of, “Tenten!”

The buns girl is just laughing at them.

“So uh, Hinata,” he redirects, “Text me sometime?”

She nods, her cheeks adorably flushed.  “I am.  Right now.”

Unchecked, stupid joy floods him, and he knows he's smiling way too much to look cool.  “Great, thanks.”

The little bell at the door chimes as more customers walk in.

He has to get back to work.  But first, he makes sure to seal this with a promise.  “I’ll talk to you later, then?"

She nods easily, and he turns around to give Sasuke a victorious grin.

Back behind the counter, his phone vibrates in his pocket, and a quick glance shows a short message: “Hello this is Hinata Hyuuga :)”

A flashed smile at Hinata, a wave of his phone to show that he got her message, and she’s blushing that adorable smile back at him.  “Thanks for texting me back,” he taps out and sends before he finally starts focusing on making drinks.

Only a few minutes later, he notices them cleaning up, getting ready to leave.

“Thank you!” he shouts out.

She turns, mouthing a “thank you” in return, with that sweet smile that dazzles him each time, and he can already tell she’s exactly what he wants.

Even if her boba tea is 25% sweetness, Hinata is definitely 125% extra sugar.

[calumance]

Could you do a calum imagine based in the tick tock trend sending your man something dirty when you are around people like imagine y/n doing it around the boys when they all hang out

This has a bit of a twist at the end 😶😶😶 Hope you like it!!!

        The summer was raging, the air was hot, and nothing sounded better than throwing yourself into a swimming pool and living there. So, when Calum threw the idea of a pool party out, you were completely down with the idea. Everyone came over almost immediately, dressed in their swimsuits and not much else. Calum pulled the drinks out as everyone gathered on the chairs around the pool.

        You fanned yourself with your hand as you took a sip from your ice cold drink. Even in the shade it was insanely hot. Sierra was sitting in the chair next to you. Her phone was in her hands and he laughed at something. You opened one eye and turned your head slightly towards her, “What’s so funny?” You asked.

        She turned her head toward you and then back to her phone. “These videos. Have you seen the trend of sending your man a dirty text or whatever while they’re around a bunch of people and seeing how they react?” You pulled your eyebrows together and shook your head. “Here, scroll through these.” She leaned over and handed you her phone.

        You took the phone from her delicate fingers and watched video after video of different guys acting as cool as they possibly could. Each video causing you to laugh devilishly. “Wonder what Calum would do if I did that to him.” You said as you handed her phone back.

        Sierra giggles and held her phone close to her lips. “I was wondering what Luke would do too. Do you think I should try it?” You lifted your head and nodded. “Okay, but don’t stare, he’ll know something’s up.” You agreed and laid your head back, closing your eyes. Sierra stayed silent for a while and then finally said, “I sent it.” You opened your eye just wide enough that you could see Luke, but not to make it obvious that you were watching him.

        Luke looked down at his phone and pulled his eyebrows together. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, but it was easy to tell he was reading the message. Suddenly, his eyebrows shot up and he looked over at his girlfriend who was trying to stifle her laughs. To stifle your own laugh, you covered you mouth, acting as if you had an itch on your face. Luke shook his head and set his phone back down, returning to the conversation all of the guys were having.

        “Are you going to try it on Calum?” Sierra asked, and you turned your head to look at her through a single open eye.

        “Maybe later, if I do it now, they’ll know something’s up.” You shrugged and Sierra nodded. You took another large gulp of your ice cold drink and repositioned yourself in your chair in an effort to not completely melt in the summer heat.

        The sun finally went down, cooling everything around you, and in turn cooling yourself down. Even though it had cooled down, it was still plenty nice to sit in the pool. Sierra and you were sharing a two person pool float and you were bravely scrolling through your phone and the float sat on top of the water. “Have you sent him a message yet?” She asked. You looked at her and shook your head. “Do it now, Luke has long moved on from the message I sent him, and I doubt he’ll ever repeat the message out loud.” She smiled devilishly.

        You pulled your head away from her and laughed, “What did you even say to him?” You dropped your phone onto your chest as Sierra chuckled.

        “You don’t want to know. Come on, send him a message.” Sierra nudged you and you rolled your eyes.

        You grabbed your phone off your chest and opened your message thread to Calum. You bit your lip and looked up at him. He laughed at something Ashton said and the lifted his beer to his lips and took a drink. You thought about all the nights you’ve spent wrapped around each other and suddenly the message came naturally. You had to make it seem real, you couldn’t go too ridiculous because then he would know you were pulling something on him. It wasn’t a long message, but it was definitely something you’ve thought, but never said out loud. You reluctantly hit the send button and watched Calum. Sierra peaked through her eye just as you had when she sent the message to Luke.

        Calum jumped a bit as he felt his phone go off, your heart raced as he reached into his pocket. You watched as he unlocked his phone and tapped a few time to open your message. His face not changing, because it was definitely not uncommon for you to text him even when he was sitting right next to him. His eyes danced across the screen and suddenly his eyes flicked up and over his phone to you. You raised a single eyebrow and bit your lip, Calum smirked and looked back down at his phone. He slyly returned a message and slid his phone back into his pocket without causing a scene.

        Your phone vibrated in your hand just has Sierra scoffed and made a comment about how boring Calum’s reaction was. You chuckled at Sierra, pretending to agree with her, but you knew it was boring, it was exactly the reaction you wanted. Sierra laid her head back and closed her eyes as you opened his message. “Meet me in the bedroom, I’ll follow after you.” Is all the message said, making your entire body heat up.

        You waited a minute before you made a show of being cold. Sierra looked at you as if you were crazy, but you played it off as always being the person who gets cold easily. It was hard for her to believe, but she eventually bought it and helped push the float to the edge of the pool so you could climb out. You made quick eye contact with Calum before walking into the house and made your way to your bedroom.

        You had been sitting on the end of the bed for five minutes when Calum finally came into the room. As he shut the door, you stood up, nervously twisting and pulling at your fingers. Calum stepped towards you, keeping his eyes locked onto yours. His hand slowly sliding onto your waist and gripping onto your skin. His forehead connected with yours as he reached his other hand toward your face to rest it in your cheek. “Did you mean it?” Calum asked and his thumb rubbed up and down on your cheek. You nodded against his forehead and he hastily pressed his lips against yours, pulling you closer to his chest. “I want to start trying for a baby, too.” He whispered after pulling his lips off of yours and before moving you back towards the bed.

[be-ready-when-i-say-go]

Missin’ You is Terrible- Part 1: Missin’ You

Calum isn’t looking for deep feelings, just for some fun. But he’s pretty sure friends with benefits isn’t supposed to go like this. Black!Female Reader. 

Enjoy my masterlist

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No one has my permission to repost this fic, including translations. All rights reserved. Copyright © be-ready-when-i-say-go.

_______________

I’m in your city. 

It is not his smoothest line. Even as he drafts the message, he wears a doopy ass grin, giggling to himself. He can imagine her eye roll, the purse of her lips, the tsk of her tongue sliding over the roof of her mouth and the back of her teeth. He watches the gray bubbles appear on his screen, the circles shifting from light gray to dark gray as he imagines her fingers tapping away at the screen. 

What’s that supposed to mean to me, Hood?

Calum scoffs. She likes giving him a hard time. I have a day off here too. 

You still haven’t answered my question.

She’s already starting. She’s going to make him say it, make him beg for it already. He’d normally hate this. He was normally direct. If he wanted sex, he’d say so. If he didn’t, he knew how to open his mouth. But she made this different. She made this fun. She’d play annoyed, unphased, but he knows that deep down her gut twisted just like his. He knows that no matter how many times she faked annoyance, she’d crack. Her giggle would escape her in tufts and she’d snort sometimes. But only sometimes. He can see the grin on her face, the way she’s tugging her lip between her teeth. 

Her teeth, fuck. He loves the feeling of her teeth grazing over his bottom lip. Even better than that though is the feeling of her teeth sinking into his flesh, his lip, tugging it a little. The mere thought leaves him nearly moaning in the dressing room. He taps away to reply, It means you should be at the show and pick me up tonight. 

Well lucky for you, a very nice man sent me tickets. I will be at the show. 

Calum stares at his screen. He waits. Is she going to confirm that she’ll pick him up? He asked her to the show, but didn’t really confirm if they would see each other. He wasn’t sure what her schedule would look like and didn’t want to be too demanding. He groans when nothing comes through for a solid minute or two. You’re an ass. 

But you like my ass. 

I do. I really fucking do. Calum bites down on his lips, inhaling deeply as the bubbles appear again. 

I’ll pick you up after the show. But you’re going to have to either get me access to the back of the venue or hike your cute ass to event parking. 

Calum pushes to his feet. He’d rather not be seen walking to her car. It’s nothing against her. He just knows the second fans catch an ounce of suspicious activity, they will run a mile with it. He’s always kept a low profile, no matter how hard it was. He presses the phone to his ear, reaching for his bag. He rips a page from his journal. She answers on the second ring. 

“What kind of car do you drive?” he asks. She rattles of the brand and make. Calum writes it down. “Plate number?”

“What’s this for? You know my car.”

“It’s for security, so they know I’m not walking to some fucking strangers car. They’ll probably escort me, but still they might ask or want need it to make sure who are who you say you are.”

“Just tell them it’s the hella attractive girl.”

Calum laughs. “Yeah because that narrows it down so well.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if I got you from the hotel in the morning,” she offers. 

Calum shakes his head, walking to over to one of the bodyguards. “That’s too long.”

“You’ll be exhausted after your show.”

“I’m always exhausted, babycakes.”

She exhales hard, the phone crackle a little. He knows what that nickname does to her. “You’re in for it now,” she whispers. “You’re dead in the water, Hood.” The call ends. Calum’s not even shocked. He slides his phone back into his pocket, handing over the information he has. He describes her, maybe a little too in depth but the guard doesn’t say anything about it. 

They talk to the head coordinator and event staffing. It’s not until an hour or so after soundcheck that Calum gets confirmation that a someone will be on the lookout for her car and will escort him. He’d fight against this, but knows he’ll ultimately lose that battle. 

“You’ll be back to the hotel in time for the drive right?”

Calum nods. “Of course.”

Then with a bit of smirk and a wink, the guard adds, “Just don’t get into too much trouble.” The laugh bubbles up in his chest, spilling past his lips. Calum shakes his head at the antic. If he only knew how much trouble, Calum would be getting into. 

Calum’s not sitting on the couch, more like laying against it, though is butt is still technically in a sitting position, Michael giggling at him. He flips him off, teasingly. “Leave me alone, Clifford.” Then in responds slides in further from his barely upright position. 

“It’s your back you’re breaking,” Michael chuckles and then goes back to his phone. 

Calum’s phone vibrates against his stomach. He pushes back up to see the notification. New iMessage- A-1. It’s an inside joke. She’a A-1 and he’s Steak Sauce, though in her phone it’s spelt like S-O-S a joke off the band acronym. She was way too pleased with herself over the pun. Calum doesn’t have the heart to tell her how cheesy it is, so he lets himself forever reside in her contacts as SteakSOS and gets a chuckle every time he happens to see it. 

He slides to unlock the notification and a shaky breath leaves him. Fuck, fuck, of course. It shouldn’t even make him this hot and bothered, but what he did not think would happen is that he’d open that message to a video. It’s just a video of her hand, pulling up fishnet thigh highs. But her nails are shaped into a point and painted a pretty yellow against the warm red depths of her brown skin. He watches as she flexes, gripping at unclothed thigh before the video ends. He can feel the way the sharp point digging into his shoulders now. He can imagine that way her fingers feel dancing across his skin. 

He plays it again, there’s no sound--he’s thankful. Another message follows it. Did I spend two hours at a nail salon just to send you that? Yes I did. Did I spend another thirty minutes trying to fucking record one handed? Sure did, angel.

Angel. His heart nearly stops as he exhales shakily again at the nickname. “You alright?” Michael asks. His tone rings with amusement. When Calum meets his eye, he can see the smile decorating Michael’s face. He knows, Calum figures. It’s not like Calum’s exactly hidden this friendship, friends with benefits relationship, from the boys. But he tries not to make it so obvious. 

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Calum says with a chuckle. It’s breathy and nowhere near convincing. But Michael doesn’t push it. He smiles with a nod. Whatever is happening, Michael knows Calum will be sporting marks come tomorrow. 

You’re not just trying to kill me. You’re trying to swallow me fucking hole huh? 

In more ways than one, she replies. 

Calum groans, throwing his head back into the cushions. “I hate her,” he laughs to himself. He sits there, reliving their last meeting. They were in his car, sitting at the edge of the beach, watching over into the water. Or more like the water was watching them fog up the windows. 

His brain wonders down all the random assortment of memories of them together. He lands on their first meeting. Calum started noticing her about a year and a half ago. She went to the same coffee shop that he frequented. She was always hunched over some stack of paper, always tapping away at her computer. He always wanted to ask her what she was doing. But he found himself afraid, always choosing to watch from afar as she typed away, as she scratched words onto the page. She looked endearing with three red pens stuck in her hair. 

Then one day, he caught her, head resting on her forearms. He didn’t want to disturb her, but he did notice some kids eyeing her things. So he went over and sat across from her while he waited for her drink. Make it seem like they were together. He didn’t have anything planned for the day. He just needed some coffee. He didn’t mean sitting there, just to make sure that her belongings didn’t get stolen. After about twenty minutes, he noticed her stirring, so he gathered his empty cup. Calum was sliding his phone back into his pocket when she spoke. “Well, I haven’t just woken up from a nap. I have died and gone to fucking heaven.”

He snapped his head at her, the heat flooding his cheeks. He couldn’t really blush, it never really showed up. But god, did his face feel warm. “I’m sorry. You were sleeping and some kids looked like they were planning something. I sat down to try to and deter them. They left, but then I was worried someone else would try and come up. So I figured I’d sit here until you woke up.”

“Thank you. You’re a literal angel.” 

They talked every all the time in the coffee shop. And then the coffee shop turned into bars. Bars turned into bedrooms. Bedrooms turned into the back of cars, the back of cars turned into her spending the night. Spending the night turned into baking at nearly two AM. Baking at nearly two AM turned into laying out in his backyard pondering the universe. Then she moved further up the Californian coast and out of the city to work for an independent publishing company; she’s happier there. Calum is glad for her. Just misses her two AM baking excursions. 

Now, they rarely get to see each other. Now it’s Calum texting her, I’m in your city as if he didn’t make that two hour drive anytime he wanted to see her. But it’s fun this way. Things feel more intense this way. They turn out all the stops. Which leads Calum here, eyes closed, grinning like an idiot, the ghost of her touch tickling his skin. He pops off the couch, heading to the bathroom, phone in hand. Payback’s a bitch, he hopes she knows that. 

He Facetimes her. No videos, no pictures. He has a strict rule against it. The call rings loudly, bouncing off the concrete walls. She picks up, only to see Calum’s tattooed hand rubbing over his crotch. He lets the sigh fall over his lips at the pressure. He’s needed this, he could feel tightness growing in his pants, the way his lower gut ached for release. He couldn’t give her that. But he could tease her; he could release some of the tension for his own benefit. A moan is building in him. He presses his lips together, refusing to crack just yet. But she knows. 

“Let me hear you, angel,” she commands. “If you’re going to sit there and be this much of a gotdamn tease, at least give me the satisfaction of hearing your sweet moans.”

Calum could. He could give her that. But he won’t. He ends the call, exhaling hard. His phone is about to explode with messages from her. One message comes in, he feels the phone shake in his hand. Then another comes in. Then another. A fourth. A fifth. A sixth one. Calum grins to himself, finally taking his hand away from his crotch and then running it through his hair. He’s in trouble now. 

It’s while the boys and he are eating a small dinner before the show that his phone buzzes again. It hasn’t buzzed in a while after her rant about him being “a motherfucking ass”. I’m at the venue. She describes where’s she’s parked, in a parking deck on the back side of the venue stating “if she were any higher up, she’d touch God and any further back she’d revert herself to the 1950’s”. Calum alerts a bodyguard who takes an event security guard to investigate where she is. 

That’s not very descriptive, you know, Calum replies. 

Another text comes in, about ten minutes later. Clearly it was, because I can spot two of your goons headed for my car. 

_________

Calum can’t spot her in the crowd. He tries, looking up the upper levels of the venue. But he can’t see anything clearly. He wishes he could but that’s not going to happen with lights. It’s when Luke gets a talking break that the flashing lights die down. But he can’t see through the haze. He takes out an inner ear, trying listen for her voice. But doesn’t catch anything. Then he gets to talk. “How are you guys doing tonight?” The crowd roars to life. He repeats the question. “I asked, how are you guys doing tonight!” he adds emphasis to the last word, shouting into the mic. 

Then he hears her, right as the crowd is starting to settle down. Just as clear as a bell, “I can’t scream any louder. I’m waiting for ‘Valentine’ to lose my shit.”

He laughs into the microphone, looking for her in the crowd again. He think he spots her, in a bright yellow shirt. “You’re going to be waiting a little bit then, ba-,” The nickname almost falls off his lips. He almost lets it slip through his lungs, but he catches it right on the edge of his tongue and swallows it back down. “But we’ll get there. I promise. Right now, we’re slowing it down. Is it okay to slow it down for second?” Calum jokes around a bit with the boys as Michael strums before launching into Amnesia.  

As they take their final bow, instruments still reverberating into the speakers, Calum looks out over the crowd for her one last time. He spots the yellow in the crowd again. But he can’t be sure it’s her. They exit the stage, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins. High fiving each other, still breathing hard after the show. He can’t wait to have her beneath his finger tips. Calum showers first. He knows he ought to eat something. But he’s not worried about that. He just needs her. He wonders to the bus, gathering the last of his things. He walks back with his traveler bag in his hand. 

Ashton whistles. “Uh huh, who are you going to see?” He can smell the cologne on Calum.

“Nobody, man. Nobody,” Calum returns, nothing sliding his phone into his pocket. 

“Nobody seems like a hell of a somebody

“Shut up,” Calum huffs, a chuckle falling from his lips as well. 

“Still a lot of foot traffic. Might as well eat, give it another half an hour or so,” the bodyguard warns. Calum wants to say fuck it, but figures if he does, he’ll be spotted. “We’ll go the second it dies down.”

Calum nods and manages to get through most of his second dinner. It’s as the first drop hits his stomach that realizes how fucking hungry he actually is. True to his word, the second the venue is cleared, Calum follows behind the guard. He can hear as the stage is torn down, people’s voices echoing. Outside near the buses, they cut across the back, jaywalk over the shockingly clear road. 

As they approach the top of the parking deck, Calum spots her figure in the shadows of the lamp posts. He grins, picking up his gait. He might as well run as the pace he’s half jogging. She pushes up from the hood of her car, starting towards him. Calum wraps her up in his arms, rocking the both of them side to side. She was in yellow. He buries his face into the crook of her neck, smiling against her skin, inhaling the faint scent of her hair products. Calum melts into her touch, the way she squeezes him, the hum of her effort falling over her lips. 

This is a goddamn home away from home, here in her arms, Calum thinks to himself. They release each other. Calum stares down at her, lips turned up into a smile. His hands slide down her side, stopping at her hips. Her nails drag over the veins in his hands. “It’s been too long,” he whispers. 

“Well Mr. Rockstar. My address is still the same.”

“I’m sorry.”

She grins, nails digging a little into the flesh of his hands. “You can make it up to me,” she states, pulling her hips from his grasp. Her boots make a soft clacking sound as she struts to her car, backwards. Her fingers slide over his. Calum hooks his middle finger around hers, so the contact isn’t lost. She readjusts the grip, hooking her pinky through his as they walk side by side. “You realize I nearly called you babycakes in front of the audience tonight right?” he asks, watch the light and shadows cross over her face. 

“I know.” 

“That would’ve been embarrassing.”

“For you, not for me.”

The inside of her car is warm, he notes. Very warm. She shrugs out of her jacket. “What were you cold or something?” he tease, poking at her thighs beneath the gaps in the fishnets. The black and white houndstooth pattern skirt looks flimsy. It’s all for the aesthetic, he figures, and he likes it. He just likes her, if he’s completely honest with himself. But he never is. Not in love anyway. He can’t afford to be completely honest. 

“I didn’t want to greet you with a cold car. And my legs are freezing. I didn’t think it’d get this cool.”

He rubs his palm over her inner thigh, after putting his seatbelt on. She doesn’t shudder, doesn’t moan. She just smiles, her cheeks lifting as her bottom lip falls victim to her teeth. Calum leaves his hand there, buried in the heat of her inner thighs meeting. She descends the parking structure. “Long way home or sit through traffic?” she asks stopped at the exit. 

“Long way,” he shrugs. He has nowhere to be right now of course. She squeezes his fingers with her thighs. 

Calum brushes his thumb over the skin, also brushing up against her thinly covered sex. She mashes her lips together, making a left turn. He can’t feel anything. He won’t push it now. He’ll wait. “What made you decide to wear yellow, huh?”

“Wanted to stand out.”

“I was looking for you, you know?”

“Bet my big mouth was the fastest way to look for me.”

He chuckles, “It was.” His thumb hooks into the side of her panties. Her gasp is audible, she grips tighter at the steering wheel. 

“Don’t you fucking dare,” she hisses softly. Calum doesn’t listen. He’s done with it. They’ve been driving for a few minutes now. He should’ve picked the traffic. At least she could’ve stopped. Not that going that way was completely risk free. Even though it would’ve been the tail end of it, they still could’ve gotten spotted together. 

Dragging his middle finger up, he groans at the slickness coating his finger. “You really did miss me.”

Her laugh strikes him odd. It’s sad, quiet. This is unlike her. But she doesn’t speak. Calum teases his finger at her entrance. Slowly, he lets the digit slip inside. She shifts, the softest sound leaving her parted lips. “Talk to me babycakes,” Calum urges, pushing his finger as deep as he can. He’s breathless at the feeling of her sitting on his digit.  She sits around his finger so well, pulling him deeper almost. He wishes it was his cock, but he’ll have to wait.

“I’d rather misbehave,” comes her response before she adds on, “Besides, you know it’s killing you. Have a taste.”

He already knows well enough what she taste like that slight saltiness. He can already taste it. He wonders if she remembers the way she tastes. Because if not he’s about to remind her. “Pull over,” he demands. 

“We’re on back roads. The shoulder is very narrow.”

“How much longer?” he asks, curling his finger. 

She hums, a chuckle falling over her throat. “Another ten, fifteen minutes if we don’t encounter any critters.”

Calum chuckles at the term. She might have left her home town, but her hometown has not left her. He decides not to risk it. “Can you handle this? Can you just still on my fingers?”

“Finger,” she corrects just like he knew she would. Calum pulls the one finger out before pushing a second one alongside it. Expelling all of the air in her lungs, she does her best not to make a sound. It’s not the first time he’s had his fingers deep in her while driving. Besides she has more important things to focus on like this fucking road. If she could spare the glance to Calum to throw daggers at him with her glare she would. 

But she keeps her eyes on the road, his fingers deep in her aching core. He must love this, she thinks. Loves her wrapped around his fingers, whether it’s her tongue or her heat, it doesn’t really matter. As long as she is somehow wrapped around his finger, he is in heaven. She tightens her pelvic muscles, squeezing around his digits. Calum groans, head falling into the headrest. His stomach jumps. 

“Do it again, please,” he breathes, rolling his head to look at her. She glances over. His face is a tad pink. He’s flushed already. She tightens around his fingers again. He is putty in her hands though his hands are the only that are milking her with his lazy curling inside. 

It’s the longest five more minutes to pull into the driveway of her house. It was left to her in her grandmother’s will. Also another reason why she moved. The house isn’t much, one story but with a lot of space. The engine cuts off and Calum is leaning over the console, fingers still buried in her. His mouth brushes over hers. He doesn’t have the words, the breathe to speak his next thought. But it’s like she knows as her mouth seals over his. She pushes all the right buttons as her teeth sink into his bottom on. Calum hisses, pushing his fingers particularly hard into her. Her legs fall even farther apart. 

Her nails dig into the muscles of his shoulders as they kiss. The points of pain are like small fires in his skin. Calum trails the tip of his tongue up her lips as he pulls away from the mess of lips, bites, teeth, and tongue. She pulls his fingers out of her, bringing his hand to her mouth. Through her lashes, she watches his face. Calum’s gaze is trained on the way his fingers glisten before the lights in the car go out. 

He laughs, a huff of a chuckle. It’s silenced as she sucks his digits into her mouth. Calum’s mouth falls open, a moan falling from his throat. She runs her tongue between his fingers, cleaning every inch of them. He wants to kiss her. But he doesn’t want her to stop sucking on his fingers. Calum leans in, pulling his fingers from inside her mouth, but leaves them resting against her pouty lips. 

“I wasn’t done,” she sighs. 

He doesn’t respond, instead he kisses her, the tips of his own fingers brushing against his lips too. It’s nice for a moment and then she brings one digit back into her mouth, leaving Calum’s lips hovering over hers yet again. This is ridiculous. He wants to kiss her, just wants to feel her supple lips against his again. Who gives fuck if his own finger is in the way? Calum kisses her, over his own knuckle as her tongue massages the pad of his finger. 

Calum’s not even sure when they made it inside her house. His senses too full of her, her scent, the way her skin feels, her moans, her groans, her sighs, the way his name sounds from her lips. He drops his bag in front of the her couch. “Thirsty?” she asks, toying out of her shoes. 

Calum unzips his boots, watching her hips as she walks to her kitchen. His socks are a little slippery against the tile she has down, but he manages to catch up to her, taking her hips into his hand and pulling her back into his chest. She grinds down into his crotch, feeling the bulge. Sliding them down to the hem of her skirt, he pushes it up until the band of her panties are exposed. “The only thing I need is you,” he whispers, yanking at the flimsy material. She shudders, but steps out of them. 

Calum steps away, hooking his pinky through hers. “Fix yourself. And c’mon.”

It takes  a few seconds for her to get the skirt back down her legs, but she follows behind Calum as he wanders down the main hallway.  As they enter her bedroom, she slides in behind Calum, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her fingers trail up underneath the sweatshirt. It should tickle, but Calum tenses for different. Her fingers trace the line of his pants and underwear until she pops the button. Her movements are slow but precise. 

She pulls the material up. Calum helps her pull it up and over his head. She tugs at the t-shirt too. “I’ll be underdressed,” Calum laughs. 

“Take it off, please?” She presses kisses through the cotton of the shirt. Calum pulls it up, tossing it to the heap with his sweatshirt. 

Her nails run down his back ad Calum shudders. The pain will be coming next and the anticipation is killing him. He needs it. He needs it like he needs her to suck on his fingers again; he needs it like he needs to kiss her. He needs the pain just like he needs her, to be beneath above, beside her. It does not matter. Her touch is light, the pads of her fingers just barely touching. Then her nails are digging into his lower back. He grunts, fingers curling into fists. She doesn’t let up either. 

With a growl, he spins around and pushes her into the wall. She collide with the wall with a particular loud thud. Calum cups the back of her head. “You okay?”

She nods. “But you’re not going to be,” she grin, hand running up his stomach and chest. 

“What does that mean?”

Her fingers dance across his lips and Calum opens his mouth. Her eyes twinkle. He knows what order is next. Two of her fingers slip over his tongue. “Suck,” she whispers, staring into his warm brown eyes. They’re hidden a little behind a cloud of tiredness, but a thick layer of lust. His moan shakes against her fingers, but he hollows his cheek, pulling his head back a little. The tip of his tongue tickles against webbing of her hands, but he loves it. He loves the weight of her fingers on his tongue. He the slight string as she runs the tops of her nails over the rough of his mouth. 

Calum grabs onto her wrist, holding her still, so he can run his tongue over each one of her digits. With her free hand, she reaches into his pants, grasping his length. Calum’s jaw falls slack at the grasps. He forgets all about her fingers in his mouth, placing his hands on the wall on either side of her head. She runs her hands down to his pants and pushes them down. Kneeling she tugs the pants down and helps him step out of them. “I am severely underdressed,” Calum pants. 

He reaches a hand down and tangles his fingers into her hair, pulling her gaze up to his. “Strip, leave the fishnets.”

Still on her knees, she buttons the blouse, letting the material fall down her arms. She sit on her but, pushing her hips up with her core and heels. The material slides down over her calves. She sits propped up against the wall, legs spread open for Calum. Her core is soaked, leaking, creating a shine to her skin. Calum groans, dropping to his knees between her legs. He goes to lean in when she stops him with a foot to his chest. Calum runs his fingers up her skin. She plays at the necklaces hanging from his chest with her toe. 

“Please don’t toy with me,” he begs, squeezing her thigh. “Please, babycakes.”

She drops her foot. Calum scoots back, pulling her into his lap. Her lips find his immediately. One and tangled in the hair at the back of her neck, Calum drifts his fingers to her clit. She shudders at the first contact, moving to his earlobe and biting down. “Fuck,” he whispers at the slight twinge of pain. 

“I wanna ride you,” she whispers, kissing down his neck. 

“Of course, babycakes. Just come around my fingers once. You know how much I love it.”

With a nod, she pushes off his lap. “I can do that, anytime, angel.” Pushing to his knees, Calum grabs her thighs and nudges her against the wall. Using his fingers he pulls back her labia and licks a stripe up her, sucking on her cit. “Goddamn,” she sighs. Calum inserts two fingers into her, pumping and curling at the inside of her. He needs her to unravel around his fingers. He needs to feel that squeeze one last time. He hasn’t felt that in so long. She moans from above him when he starts to kitten lick the bundle of nerves. 

Nails scratching at his scalp, Calum moans against her mound as she tightens her grip. Her legs tremble. He presses her harder into the wall, curls faster, hits deeper inside her. “Fuck. Calum.” Her voice is strained. The muscle in her legs starts jumping, legs bouncing. Calum grins. This is it. This is it. She comes around him, a grunt falling over her lips. “Cal--” she chokes on her own breathe. 

She contracts and releases around his finger. Calum groans, slowly his lapping. But leaves his fingers buried deep in her heat. When he pulls his fingers out, she sags, sliding down the wall. Fuck, she can’t breathe. God. She feels like she’s floating. It shouldn’t take thing long to come back down. Calum strokes her cheek with his clean hand, kissing across her face. If it doesn’t work, he’ll find a way to do a cold compress. “Come back to me, babycakes. Deep breathe.”

Her eyes slowly blink back open. Calum grins. “There you are.”

She laughs. “Unfortunately.”

“I need some help.”

Inhaling deeply, she lets her close drift close before opening them and exhaling. “What’s up, angel?” 

Calum taps his fingers coated in her arousal against her lips. “Can you help me clean these?” 

She opens her mouth, resting her tongue flat against his fingers. Calum bends down, licking off the otherside. Together they clean his fingers, tongue brushing every so often. Calum pulls his hand away. She captures his lip between her teeth again, pullling hard. He groans. “Can I ride you now?”

“I would say you you don’t have to ask twice, but you just did.”

He’s always like this. Always still sassy. “Just get the fuck on the bed.”

Calum stands first, helping her up. “You sure you can handle it.”

Playfully slapping his ass, she laughs. “I’m sure I can.” He acts like he hates this, sending a glare to her over his shoulder. But Calum loves this, loves that they can still be playful in sex. Opening her bedside drawer, he pulls out a condom. Her birth control is right on top of the nightstand. She’s still taking it. When he turns around, she’s sitting on the edge of the bed. She’s just watching him. Her gaze makes his gut flip again. What is she looking at? 

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he chuckles, tearing opening the package. 

“You said no to pictures. Lay back,” she comments, patting the mattress. Calum rolls the latex on and reclines into her plush pillows. 

“Tell me,” he starts, watching her crawling up the length of body, pausing to kissing his thighs. “What were thinking about in the ride over here? When I asked--” the question stops on his tongue as her lips near his crotch. “When I asked if you missed me?”

“I’ll explain later, okay?” she whispers, lips ghosting over his cock. Calum goes to speak again until her nails dig into his hips. He moans. She continues to kiss up his body. She kisses and sucks a hickey onto his each collarbone. 

“Please, God, please,” he whines. That’s all she needs before sinking down onto his length. “Fuck,” Calum swears, grabbing onto her hips. She grinds her hips against his, holding herself up by pressing her hands onto his chest. 

“Tell me, angel, how’s the view?” she grins. 

Calum reaches up for one of her breast, rolling the brown bud between his fingers. “It’s like heaven,” he pants. Calum wants more, but he knows to wait this out. His body feels like it’s on fire, but it’s a fire that continues to get stronger. Moving his fingers from her breast to her clit, he tries to help build her to faster to her second orgasm. The moment he touches her nerve, she snatches the hand away. 

All movement is paused. “You want to fuck me huh? Is that what you want to do?”

“I want you to feel good. I--I want to make love to you.”

The phrase leaves her speechless. This hasn’t been about love. Or at least not on the surface, not with a label. It’s been a physical connection for sure. But the mental one has also been under the surface. Always felt, never talked about. Calum sees the shock on her face and takes this moment to get the upper hand. He hugs her close, before rolling them over. Her beneath him, still buried in her velvet heat. 

“Can I?” he asks. 

She nods. “Yes-yes.”

Calum kisses her, open mouthed before pulling out and slowly thrusting back inside her. She releases a small sigh in his ear as he thrusts inside. That’s a new sound. He thrusts slowly back into her. She releases it again. “Shit, you make the most beautiful sounds,” he whispers. He can’t get deep like this. So he pauses and places a pillow under her hips, brushing her knees to her chest. 

She grips the sheets as Calum re enters her. “God, fuck.” She can feel him everywhere. Not just inside her, his body is pressed firmly against her. She can feel his chest against his, his breath ghosting over her skin as his face is buried her into neck. His hips roll at just the right angle that he brushes over her cit. 

With very little warning, she cums beneath him, muscles tensing. Calum lifts his head to watch her face. The way her eyes screw up shut, the o she makes with her lips, the way her back arches off the bed. He loves this. He loves watching this. If he could record it, he would. To watch it over and over and over. Calum’s own orgams washes over him. He gives a final two thrusts before spilling over into the condom. 

They stay meshed together, the metal brushing over her brown skin. He loves the way it looks. God, how he could stay here forever. But he can’t. “Can I kiss you?” she asks, not sheepish, but concerned, but hesitant, unsure. 

“Of course.”

This kiss isn’t a clash of teeth, tongue or biting. It’s slow, and sensual. Almost loving. They part, Calum slowly pulling out of her. She pulls him alongside her into the bathroom. They clean themselves up, use the restroom. She leans up against the counter as Calum washes his hands. “I didn’t answer you when you asked if I miss you because I don’t just miss sex with you. I miss having you around.”

Calum pauses, hands still resting under the warm water. “I miss you too,” he whispers. 

She shakes her head. “Not the same way.” She shouldn’t have been vulnerable with him. He can’t do it. It’s not his fault, fully. It’s the road, it’s the constant travel. It’s the always being away. It’s the past too. It’s the people before, it’s the cruelty of being of being so invasive, it’s this life as a person of color. It’s not all his fault, but some of it was, like the shutting people out, bottling up. 

Calum quickly dries his hands, before following into the bedroom. She starts picking up her clothes and his. Calum stands bare at the threshold. “I know how you like your tea. 2 parts honey, one part sugar. You prefer black fruity teas. You despise coffee. But drink it because it’s the only thing that keeps you up for deadlines. You edit in coffee shops, but like writing in your backyard best. You prefer early morning to late nights. You like tequila over vodka which I’ll never understand. You hate twisting your hair, but like the way the curls look in the morning. You do pineapples when you’re lazy. You still can’t perfect the slicked down ponytail, but you still try. You’ve thought about doing a blow out but are too scared it’ll ruin your curl pattern again. You prefer shea butter moisturizers. You shop black owned every chance you get. You hate the fashion world, but still like designer shoes. 

“You’ll shop a sale every chance you get. You donate half your closet twice a year to the domestic abuse shelter in honor of the women in your family. You volunteer at hospitals during Christmas because you like walking in as Storm and having the other black kids staring up at you in awe. You wished you cosplayed more. You play the piano well for someone that’s never learned a scale. Your voice is so fucking soulful and if I could get you to sing on one our songs, I think I’d die in the studio before you ever opened your mouth. I miss you too. I am listening. You’re one of the first people I want to tell good news too. You’re the first person I think of when I see a cute dog. I miss not being to talk in my backyard.”

“Then why the hell didn’t you say anything.”

“I didn’t know how. I hate being so far away from you. I like this--being normal. I wish I didn’t have to miss you. But I’d rather miss you than not have you at all.”

[octothorpetopus]

Dancing In The Moonlight (Derek Morgan x Spencer Reid)

Spencer doesn’t usually say yes when Derek asks him to go clubbing, and it soon becomes clear why. However, Derek isn’t about to let that spoil their fun.

“Oh, no.” That was the first thing Derek said upon opening his apartment door.

“What?” Spencer asked, his smile dropping.

“You can’t wear that.” Derek wasn’t sure what he’d expected Spencer to wear, but he had assumed it would be different from his normal work clothes. But no, there was Spencer still in his jeans and cardigan. He had lost the tie, at the very least.

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Derek closed the door behind him and shook his head.

“We’re going to a club, not a book reading, kid. Come on.” He beckoned for Spencer to follow him back to his bedroom. “I still have some clothes from before I got ripped, I think. They’ll probably fit.” He pulled a plastic storage bin out of his closet and dug through it, pulling items out and handing them to Spencer. “Bathroom’s down the hall. Go try these on.” He sat down on the sofa and waited, absentmindedly patting his dog’s head.

“So?” He turned around and nearly fell over backwards. The clothes fit, alright. They fit better than he had ever imagined. The short-sleeved polka-dot button down and lightweight black blazer looked like they were made for him, especially as he swept his hair off his forehead.

“Yep-“ Derek winced as his voice cracked, but Spencer didn’t seem to notice. “Looks great, man. Let’s go.”

Derek wasn’t quite sure why Spencer had finally agreed when he’d asked him to come out tonight. He had asked probably a dozen times in the last year alone, always met with a “no thanks”. But this time, that hadn’t happened, and Derek wasn’t complaining. Especially not with how good Spencer looked in that blazer. Penelope would have said he had a crush, to which he would have said he was a grown-ass man who didn’t have crushes. And then he would have gone home, fallen onto his sofa, and thought about how nice it would be just to hold Spencer’s hand.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Hmm?” Spencer was looking at him with that wide-eyed, curious look.

“You spaced out for a minute.”

“Sorry. Not thinking about anything, really.” Derek smiled and threw an easy arm around Spencer’s shoulders. “Thanks for coming out with me tonight.” Spencer shrugged.

“I haven’t been out in awhile. I figured I would see if anything had changed.” He shifted, but kept smiling. There was more to the story, but Derek couldn’t tell what, and he didn’t want to ask. Not profiling each other was the reason they were all able to be friends. If he started now, he wasn’t sure where it would stop.

“Come on.” He stopped suddenly and turned down a dark alleyway. Spencer clung to his side, eyes darting nervously back and forth.

“Where are we going?”

“We’ll never get in through the front door, the line’s too long, but the manager’s a friend, so I have this.” Derek reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a silver key. He unlocked a door in the side of the alley and pulled it open into a storage room filled with boxes and boxes of liquor. Inside, Derek stopped, cracked his neck, adjusted his jacket, gave Spencer another once-over, ruffled his hair, and pushed open a second door into the club. Loud dance music hit them like a truck, and actually knocked Spencer back a few steps. Derek, however, was home. He grabbed Spencer’s shoulder and dragged him into the club, already beginning to bounce along to the music.

“Drinks?” He shouted, just barely audible over the music.

“Please!” They fought their way through the crowd to the bar. Derek waved down the bartender, who he recognized but couldn’t quite name.

“Rum and coke and-“ he looked back at Spencer for a minute. “-a gin and tonic.”

“How’d you know I like gin and tonics?” Spencer shouted.

“I’m a damn good profiler. Also, you drank nothing but G and Ts at that fundraiser last month.” He held up his glass. “Cheers.” Spencer tossed back his drink in one gulp. “Damn, kid, slow down.” Still, Derek finished his own drink as quickly as he could and turned to look out at the club. “You want to dance?”

“I guess that’s what you’re supposed to do at clubs.” Hardly waiting to make sure Spencer was behind him, Derek dove into the fray, letting the music take his body away from him. He had been to so many clubs he didn’t mind dancing alone anymore, so much so that he had to remind himself that he wasn’t alone. He turned around to look at Spencer, who wasn’t dancing, necessarily, but was bobbing to the music. Derek took his hands and pulled him further into the crowd, and he beamed as Spencer smiled at him. When he was really dancing, Derek let him go, and let himself float away again. He let the crowd swallow him up, his face scorching in the tight-packed heat, but not caring a bit. That was part of the reason he liked clubs so much, because in them, he was just a part of the crowd. He could dance, drink, smile, and know that nobody was paying any attention, no one was watching. He was in a massive crowd and yet he felt completely alone, and he loved it. The only thing that pulled him out of his haze was Spencer. He had stopped dancing and clutched at Derek’s arm with shaky hands.

“I have to- can we- I can’t breathe,” he finally choked out.

“Okay.” Derek snapped back to reality and nodded. He squeezed one arm around Spencer’s shoulders and muscled through the crowd and back out the back door. This was a panic attack, he recognized the symptoms well. First things first, they had to get some air. When they were back in the alley, Derek turned to face Spencer. “Just breathe, kid. Do you need anything?”

“No. I’ll be fine.” He was oddly matter-of-fact for someone in the middle of a panic attack. “Just give me a few minutes.” And as he had said, after a few minutes, his breathing returned to normal. He straightened his posture and stretched.

“You good, kid?”

“I’m fine. Can we just walk around for a little bit?”

“Yeah, of course.” They strolled down the block, not talking for a minute.

“Hey, kid?”

“Hmm?” Spencer replied without looking at Derek.

“Do you want- I mean, if you’re okay with talking about it, what happened in there?” Derek shoved his hands further into the pockets of his leather jacket.

“I...” Spencer thought for a moment. “When I was in college getting my first degree, I made friends with some other people in one of my physics classes. One night, we went out to a club fairly similar to that one. It was fun and normal until... someone put something in my drink. GHB, I think. I recognized the symptoms early enough that I got out, and I went home and slept it off.”

“Did you ever find out who drugged you?”

“That’s the funny thing. It was one of my friends. At least, I’m pretty sure it was. He was watching me the whole night, like he was just waiting for something to happened, and when I tried to leave, he tried to stop me. Then a few weeks later, he got kicked out of school for drugging and assaulting a different guy. Another one of our friends. I never told anyone what he tried to do to me. Maybe if I had, he wouldn’t have had a second chance.”

“God. Spencer.” Derek stopped and without thinking, wrapped his arms around Spencer, gently rubbing circles on his back.

“I never told anyone. Even after. Until you.”

“Thank you. Thank you for telling me.”

“Yeah,” Spencer said as Derek let him go. “Ever since, when I go into a club, something just... clicks in me, and something like that happens.”

“Wow. I’m sorry, Reid, if I’d known, I would have asked you to do something-“

“It’s not your fault, Derek. Don’t worry about it. I said yes because I wanted to see if I could do it.” He shrugged. “And I can’t. So be it. I’m not much of a clubber anyway.”

“Oh, well. We can just find something else to do, then.” Spencer shook his head.

“Nah. You invited me out dancing, but it seems like that’s not really in the realm of possibility for me. Why don’t you just walk me home and then you can go back out and party?” Derek stopped in his tracks.

“We don’t need to go to a club to dance, Spencer.” He pulled out his phone and tapped at it rapidly for a few minutes.

“What are you-“ He held up a finger to quiet Spencer. After a few seconds, music began to stream out of the phone’s speakers, not club music, but jazz.

“Sorry. This is the only music I have on my phone.”

“Well, that’s just fine, because I can’t dance anyway.”

“Of course you can. Come on. I’ll show you.” Derek held out a hand to Spencer, which Spencer took, and moved it to rest on the small of his back, and placed his own hand on Spencer’s shoulder. Then he took Spencer’s hand in his and rocked side to side, shifting his feet only slightly. “Come on, get into it!” They swayed, picking up speed until they were actually dancing, not well or smoothly, but with enthusiasm. Derek tried not to wince when Spencer stepped on his toes, and eventually, he stopped noticing. It was late now, and there was no one on the street, so they took up the whole width of the sidewalk. “Alright, I’m gonna spin you, ready?” He pushed Spencer out and spun him around, then pulled him back in. By now they were laughing so hard that Derek had to catch Spencer as he came back in, and they stumbled backwards together, howling with laughter.

“You’re surprisingly good at that,” Spencer said once they stopped laughing.

“Well, when I was a kid, my mom put my sisters in dance class, and I never wanted to be left out of anything, so I joined too. I can do waltz, ballet, and tap, too.” Spencer’s jaw dropped.

“You can tap dance?”

“Yes, I can, but you’re never going to see it.” They sat down on the stoop of the apartment building they had stopped outside. “I’m sorry about what happened to you, Spencer.”

“Yeah.” Spencer leaned against Derek, staring out at the empty street. “Oh, well. I turned out fine. Well, mostly fine. And again, I don’t really like clubs anyway.”

“Well, next time, we’ll go bowling. Or to the movies.”

“Or you could just ask me out.” Derek’s head snapped to look at Spencer.

“I- Huh?”

“Well, instead of just saying you don’t want to go to the club by yourself, why don’t you just ask me out?”

“Well- I- I just- it’s-“ Derek stammered. “It just never really occurred to me to do that?”

“You should have. I would have said yes.”

“You would have said yes? But not now?”

“Oh, I never said that. If you want to find out, you have to ask me.” Derek rolled his eyes and turned to face Spencer. Their knees bumped together as he did so.

“Spencer Reid... will you go out on a date with me? I promise we can go anywhere other than a club.”

“I don’t know, let me think-“ Spencer didn’t get a chance to finish that thought before Derek kissed him. He was warm under Derek’s hands, positively radiating heat, and his lips tasted like coffee, peppermint chapstick, and gin. “-oh.” He flushed from his neck to the tips of his ears as Derek paused the kiss.

“That enough time to think of an answer?”

“Oh, it’s a firm yes.” Spencer laughed. “I would very much like to go out with you, yeah.”

“Good.” Derek bit his lip and brushed a speck of lint off the lapel of the blazer Spencer was wearing. “God, you look good in my old clothes.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh, yeah.” Spencer threw an arm around Derek’s neck and pulled him into another slightly messy kiss.

“I like wearing your clothes,” he murmured into Derek’s ear, which made Derek blush.

“Good god, Reid.” He stood up off the stoop and held out his hand, which Spencer took. “As much as I’d like to continue this, uh, enlightening look into the inner workings of your brain, Hotch wants us in early tomorrow. Let’s get you home.” As they walked down the sidewalk, retreating into the night, Spencer bounced, almost like he was dancing as he walked.

“Did you have a good time tonight? I mean, aside from the whole, you know...?” Spencer nodded and kissed Derek’s cheek.

“I did.” He chuckled. “I always have a good time with you.”

“Oh, yeah? Then here’s to a lot more good times together,” Derek said, and kissed Spencer’s cheek right back.

[iwantitiwriteit]

Slow Burn: Act I - Part 2

The Meet Cute - Part 2

Pairing: Chris Evans x Famous!Reader

Summary: You meet Chris Evans at a rooftop, industry party in New York, but will your awkwardness ruin the night?

Warnings: Profanity, Sexual connotations, fluff gone sour (?) Read on to know what I mean

Notes: Please check out the moodboard + music specially curated to go with this part! Read the previous part here.

Although you had a few lightweight drinks, not wanting to get too turnt in front of strangers, you’re not really sure how you ended up here: In the middle of the dance floor, spinning, stepping and outright getting down with Chris motherfucking Evans.

It may have started with your light buzz, then a declaration of “that’s my song!!!” on your behalf, then Chris following you like a wide eyed puppy.

A mellower song plays. Yours and Chris’ energy comes down some, chemistry lingering. You simultaneously notice you’re holding hands and become all too aware of yourselves. Meaningless “ums” and “uhs” fill the air until you excuse yourself to the restroom, but not before you exchange shy smiles with Chris.

You freshen up in the mirror and take a moment to reflect on the night, on meeting Chris, with his tall, muscular frame, genuine smile, heart warming laugh, and blue eyes you could just drown in… Get a grip, SIS! You’re supposed to be meeting industry professionals, not fawning over snackable superheroes, no matter how charming. What time is it even…?

Pawing at your person for a sign of your phone, you realize you might have left it at the bar. Ugh, I hope no one took it. Who am I kidding? Rich people don’t steal phones… right?

You hurriedly rush out of the bathroom, but stop short at the sight of a boyish-looking Chris, hands tucked in his pockets. For the second time tonight, you both take a moment to take each other in. You don’t realize it, but you hold your breath as his eyes scan your hair, your eyes…her nose, her lips, her skin—

“You found it!”

“Huh?”

“My phone! Thank God! I don’t know what I’d do without it!” You say as you point to the black, sparkly device poking out of his pocket. It only became visible when Chris subconsciously went to rub his beard, under a trance at the sight of you. 

“Yeah, the bartender found it. I told her I’d give it to you.”

You go to retrieve it from his pocket, but stop short again, reminding yourself you shouldn’t be that handsy with him. He takes that as a cue, and returns the phone to its rightful owner.

You check the time. 1:39 am. Yeesh.

“I know, right?” It must’ve shown on your face. “I didn’t even notice half the party cleared out,” he says while looking at you sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

You chuckle lightly as you take in your surroundings for the first time in God knows how many hours. Had I really lost track of time, giggling with him all night? Yes sis, you did.

Tens of people are scattered about, trash is being cleaned up, and some of the younger staff are taking advantage of the photo-op area. Meanwhile, Chris is rambling about something, cutely at that, but you don’t tune in until he asks, “Do you?”

“Do I…”

He chuckles and says, “Have a place to stay in Boston yet? I always wait until the last minute to find a place when I’m filming out of town.”

You cock your brow. “Are you offering?”

“Ha! No ma’am! I enjoy my bachelor’s pad how it is. Just me and my best boy, Dodger.”

“Is that so?” 

“Mmhmm, just a pair of dysfunctional, male codependents.”

“So, it’s a no girls allowed ordeal?”

“No, it’s just--”

“A different girl every night, and they’re on their merry way by morning?”

“No--”

“Oh, so--”

“WILL YOU LET ME TALK?! Jeez woman...” You both giggle at your antics and his feigned frustration. He rakes a hand through his hair before he begins again, but you attempt to cut him off one last time for fun. “Wow, ok!” He makes like he’s going to walk away, but you catch him by the wrist to keep him in place.

“Wait, no, I’m sorry!” You say between laughs and tugs on his arm. “Look, I’ll zip it,” Chris turns to you as you mime zipping and locking your lips. He puts his free hand out, not wanting to lose this physical contact with you, motioning for the imaginary key. You oblige. 

“Thank you, and for good measure...” he tucks the “key” in his pocket. You’re admiring the deep, rich tone of his voice when he gently places his hand over your mouth, his other hand still in your hold. Your brain is short-circuiting and your heart is skipping several beats.

“I was going to say,” wow, your eyes are just... wow.  “It’s more like a different girl every other night, gone by dawn.” 

You scoff and swat his hand away from your mouth, and now you both laugh at his antics. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” he quickly reassures, as if you couldn’t tell it was a joke. 

“No, I just really value my space, ya know? Not that I don’t appreciate guests, because I really do! You should see me; I host a WICKED game night.”

“Oh, I bet.”

“I just have to be... never mind. That’s more than what you asked for.”

“No, no, what is it? You can tell me.”

“I guess, I just have to be… selective, about who I invite into my--”

“Game night?”

“You’re quite the smart ass, huh?” You smirk and shrug, but it’s true: you love to crack jokes-- good or bad, for better or for worse-- especially with people you’re comfortable with. We’re not that comfortable, though. We just met.

“I get it, though, truly. Especially in this line of work,” You pause for a moment, fiddling with your fingers before you ask, “Don’t you ever feel like you can’t tell someone’s intentions? Like, you can’t tell if someone wants to be around you for you or... for what they think they’ll get in return. It’s just easier to stay in your own, comfortable bubble sometimes. I don’t know…”

The way you asked made Chris think you were looking for some words of advice more than agreement. “Well, sussing out someone’s intentions is difficult, but gets easier with experience. And not just experience with dealing with a bunch of slimes balls, but experience in listening, trusting your gut when it talks to you.” He gives you a warm smile, and you give a half one back, the thoughts of your very recent past preventing your smile from being full, bright, the way Chris came to know it tonight. In that moment, he found himself missing it.

Sensing the heaviness, Chris changes the subject, “So, uh… have any plans after this?” 

“At damn near 2 am?”

”Clearly you’ve never hung out in New York because this is considered too early to go home. This city never sleeps, ya’know? ‘S how it got the nickname.”

“No, I didn’t know that! Thanks for the tip.”

“Yeah, yeah of course, anytime.” The sarcastic back-and-forth leave you two smiling and gazing in each other’s eyes. Why do we keep doing this?

You clear your throat, “But, uh, no… well yes. Heading back to the hotel to get some Z’s. Gonna be at iHeartRadio tomorrow for a show, and I have to be alert for it.” You serve an overexaggerated focus face, to which he laughs at.

“Well, you could always have coffee.”

“Mm-mm, nope, no coffee for me. I’m still hoping to grow a few more inches.”

He sizes you up, “I don’t know, I think you’re just about done sprouting, Kid.”

“What did I say about calling me that?”

He drops his head a little and pouts his lip like a sad puppy, “Only Mackie can call you that...”

“Right! Don't make me tell you again. There won’t be a third time. Just, a consequence I have not thought of yet.” He lightly laughs as you continue, “Anyways, it’s an acoustic set, and I need real energy, real focus, ‘cos I feel like mistakes are far more noticeable when it’s stripped back, and I gotta be all here for it,” you tap your temple.

He nods, “Not only a smart ass, but quite the critic, too? Dangerous combination.” You shrug again. What can you say? You’re particular when it comes to music. “An acoustic set though— should be awesome! Who’s playing?”

...uuuummmm…  You start and stop your reply a couple of times, before awkwardly laughing. Maybe he’s just messing with me… “It’s a secret,” you say with a wink.

“Hey! Kid, Captain Little Ass! I’ve been texting both of you! Come over here for a picture!” Mackie’s booming voice bursts your bubble, and the two of you make your way over. Scott, Ansel, Jaden, and a few other people who you probably should’ve met tonight are huddled in conversation. Mackie approaches you with his phone.

“You mind snapping a few pics of me and the boys? We’ll do a couple poses and then I wanna get you in there.” 

“Oh, it would be my utmost pleasure to snap some ‘pics’ of you and ‘the boys’.” 

While they sort out their poses, you make with unlocking Mackie’s phone. It opens to Mackie’s and Chris’ text chain, and what you see sinks your heart a little bit. Well, damn. 

“Hey Kid, we’re ready,” Chris says with a smirk that quickly dissipates when you unintentionally scowl at him, stewing in your thoughts. He thinks it’s because you really don’t like the nickname, but boy is he so wrong.

Anthony was insistent on getting you in a picture, no matter how many times you declined saying you weren’t “picture ready”, when really you were too annoyed to prolong this night any longer. He waved over one of the gawking busboys, no doubt in awe of being in the same room as Shmaptin Shmerica.

As you handed the busboy the phone, he whispered he was a “big fan”, Oh. Really?, and “couldn’t believe” he was meeting you. You thanked him with a kind smile and offered to get a picture with him afterwards, Chris watching the endearing interaction. I’ll have to ask her what she’s been in so I can watch it.

Chris watched you as you scanned the group for a good spot to fit in, then go in the opposite direction of where he stood. After a few snaps, Chris yells, “EVERYBODY: NEW SPOTS, NEW POSE!!” Everyone scurries around, but you being stubborn, stay put. He inevitably finds his way to you, but you ignore his presence.

A few more pictures are taken. Everyone’s smiling their Hollywood smiles, but then there’s you on the end, just mean mugging. On the last picture, Chris puts his arm around your shoulders. The nerve, the GALL, the cologne… no, NO! Get it together! When the photos are done, you quickly go over to the busboy and make good on your promise of a picture with him. You can feel Chris’ eyes on you.

After a couple of selfies, Chris offers to take a picture for you both. When your fan is satisfied with the picture and gets back to work, Chris comes over to resume conversation with you, but you’re too in your head to hear him. You just see his plump, pink lips moving. Damn him and his good looks, and perfect lips and—

“How’s that sound?”

“How’s what sound?”

“Coffee— in Boston.”

“I’m sure there is some, but I thought y’all were more known for your tea parties.” He laughs and your breath is arrested by the beautiful sound, deepening your conflicted feelings. He seems so genuine, but the texts…

“I meant, when we’re both back in Boston, going out for coffee— with me?”

If he would text that, what does he want so badly to see me again for? *gasp* He must think I’m a quick fu— “Why?”

He’s taken aback by your curtness. What does she mean ‘why’? I thought we had a good time tonight, and I want to see her again… “Because ‘here’s to good company’, remember?” He recounts your toast from earlier in the evening, raising his hand to mime a glass in the air for emphasis. He lets his hand fall awkwardly at the sight of your unamused face.

“Good company, huh? Even for a ‘airheaded wannabe’?”

What is she talk… It hits him like a ton of bricks. 

It’s you. YOU are the musician girl Mackie and Scott wanted him to meet. YOU are the one playing the set tomorrow, and that’s why you have fans wanting pictures with you. But most of all, YOU had seen his blind judgments of you. FuuuuUUUUUUcccckkk.

“Shit. Listen, I—“

“Have to call it a night and get some rest. Wouldn’t want hot air to be the only thing coming out of my mouth tomorrow. Good night, Chris.” With that, you quickly brush past him, and walk over to say goodbyes to your co-stars. You all share your excitement for starting filming next week, and they wish you well on your show tomorrow.

You make your way to the elevator, but not before you look back for Chris, who’s nowhere to be found. You hoped you’d see his face, and there’d be a look in his eyes that would tell you that tonight wasn’t a waste, that he was as genuine as you’d read him to be and that you’d only read those texts wrong. 

But those blue eyes weren’t around for you to drown in. You figured he went somewhere to be pissed about his efforts coming up fruitless. No different than the rest.

Part 3

[onmywaytobe]

Dissidia Writeblr March 2021 – Week 4

yes i am ashamed this is so late and so long but thanks to @kiljoytrout i didn't have to come up with like half of this stuff! thanks for taking my boyo and bringing him out of his shell and writing your piece for both of us. as always thank you to @dissidia-writeblr for putting on this event!!

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

When Leo opens his eyes, he finds Zeph smiling at him serenely. The amount of oxygen in his lungs is dizzying. He’s barely conscious as Zeph pulls out heavy black chains and binds his hands together. “These won’t hurt at all,” she says, her pasted-on smile some semblance of reassuring. “They’re just a precaution to nullify any magic or advanced tech you might have.” When Leo doesn’t resist, she adds, “Thank you for your cooperation.”

As if he could fight someone like her. With those wings, and her magic, he’d be ended in an instant. And he doesn’t want to fight back. What kind of thanks would that be for what they’ve done for him? The new sensations in his body are overwhelming, but there is no doubt in Leo’s mind that he has been healed.

He’s never felt like this before. Clear lungs, free of the constant phlegm that plagued him his entire life. No shooting stomach pains, no cramps, nothing like the variety of symptoms he was used to telling him that one of his organs was malfunctioning. He is now at the peak of health. It would take a little getting used to.

Leo barely notices as Zeph leads him into a cell and leaves him there. Leo is glad of the chance to rest, but after an hour or so passes he begins to get antsy. There is so much energy coursing through his body and he doesn’t have anywhere to go. He satisfies himself by looking around the room. There’s nothing to see besides the uncomfortable chair he sits on, its twin across from him, and a bucket in the corner. His nose wrinkles at the sight, but he knows he won’t be in there long enough to need the makeshift toilet. He’s a little hurt that the Chikara would heal him only to dump him in a holding cell, but Zeph said it was all just a precaution.

Precaution or no, Leo wants to make sure he can get out if things go sideways. The chair’s frame is rusty enough that he is able to tug some of the spokes free from the underside. The long pieces of metal are a little on the thick side for what he wants, but they’ll have to do. He examines the lock on his chains, allowing himself a small grin. He needn’t have worried. This would only take him a moment to remove.

Content to wait, Leo twiddles his thumbs until the door to the cell slams open, most unexpectedly. A woman with short, blond hair and dark green eyes runs in, and she’s wearing a soldier’s uniform. Leo raises an eyebrow at the sudden intrusion. “My name is Tess, and I’m here to help you escape.” She unlocks his chains. “Do you trust me?”

Leo doesn’t get the chance to tell her no. The door to the room opens again, and two Chikara walk in with another man, also wearing the black chains. Tess curses under her breath, and golden light starts dancing along her skin like fire. This is enough of a surprise to the Chikara that she is able to pull the stranger away from them and try to take his chains off too. Leo still hasn’t moved from his seat, despite his hands being freed. He’s not a fighter.

The Chikara are still coming for them, and at that moment Tidis arrives. He smirks when his eyes land on Tess. “And one of the rebels returns. Today is my lucky day.” Light and darkness start swirling on his skin.

Tess curses again and pushes Leo and the stranger to the door on the other side of the room. “Leo, Lindy, find Wayne. He’s rescued Warren. He should be going to the hangar where they keep their ships,” she hisses under her breath at them. She pushes them through the door and locks it from the inside.

Leo immediately turns to his companion. “Were you also summoned?” he asks. He would need to know as much as he could about his new ally if they ran into any more trouble. “How do you know-”

The guy gives Leo a cold look, and Leo quiets, falling into step alongside his new friend as he stalks off. Leo is quite shaken by his removal from the cell, and still adjusting to his new body. It made him bold enough to join this stranger on whatever mission he was so intent on. Besides, anything that took him further away from the magic battle was all right with Leo.

The stranger is observing the space around them, taking it in with what Leo could only describe as awe. Perhaps he was familiar with these sorts of things. It would be helpful for someone who knew what was going on to be on Leo’s side. He grimaces, rattling the heavy chains still locked around his arms. Leo notices, patting his pockets for the makeshift lockpick he’d fashioned earlier, and finds it missing. Must have dropped it in all the commotion. He spots an antenna on the wall that would be much better suited and twists it off, making a move to unlock his companion’s chains.

Leo hadn’t said anything, since the other guy (Lindy? Was that his name that Tess had shouted at them?) didn’t want to talk, and now found himself being smacked into the side of the corridor. “What the hell, man!” Leo sputters. “I was just trying to pick the lock on your chains.” He definitely should have explained first. That’s what he gets for trying to be considerate.

“Oh.” Lindy doesn’t apologize, but helps up Leo from the floor and wordlessly stretches out his arm for Leo to have easier access to the lock. After a few twists, the chains slip off easily. Leo keeps the antenna, and grabs one of the locks as well. Never know when these things could come in handy.

They continue walking, and the echo of their footsteps in the silence makes Leo lonely. He misses the comforting presence of Warren. They had been a much more agreeable companion than this Lindy fellow. At least Lindy seemed to know where he was going, his pace measured and sure, never hesitating at crossroads. Leo wondered how he knew, and how Lindy had ended up in the same chains as himself if he was so familiar with the way the Chikara lived.

“Who is Warren?” Lindy asks suddenly.

For a second, Leo wonders whether Lindy can read his mind. If he wasn’t already convinced that this was a dream, he was considering the possibility again. But after his moment of shock, he’s more surprised that Lindy’s even said anything at all, considering they’ve spent the last few hours in complete silence.

“Why do you want to know?” Leo replies pointedly. Why not ask about this Wayne, for instance?

Lindy doesn’t answer, only pausing to shoot Leo a sideways glance. It looks a little too close to sympathy for Leo’s liking. Leo narrows his eyes at Lindy, who of course doesn’t notice.

After another few moments of uncomfortable silence, Leo sighs. He might as well talk to this Lindy person, if only to get him to stop looking at him with such pity. “They were one of the first normal people I met when I got summoned to this place. Got to know them pretty well. We were separated a little while ago though.”

“Oh.”

Leo rolls his eyes. That seemed to be half of this guy’s vocabulary. He was so glad he’d made such an effort. Clearly Lindy thought the conversation would be of some benefit to Leo, but Leo would have been just as content with silence.

They walk on in silence for a few more minutes when Lindy comes to a stop. Leo stares at him curiously as he starts to tap his finger against a sheet of metal on the wall.

“This shouldn’t be here,” Lindy says thoughtfully.

Leo is in no mood to be civil. Apparently this sheet of metal meant more than a human conversation. “Well, it obviously is there, so I don’t know what to tell you.”

Lindy just stares at Leo for one beat with those watery blue eyes, and it’s as good as any death glare; the hair on Leo’s neck prickles. “What I mean is that there should be an entrance here to the hangars, but it seems that they’ve blocked this one up.”

“We just have to take it down then,” Leo says nonchalantly. “It’s just flimsy sheet metal.” He kicks at the metal covering and immediately regrets it. Pain radiates through his bones like an alarm blaring, and he falls to the floor. Lindy looks down at him, expressionless, while Leo groans. “Oww.”

“It’s not sheet metal,” Lindy explains. “It’s probably either titanium reinforced Kevlar, or some otherworld material. You can tell from the lack of sheen that it’s durable.”

Through gritted teeth, Leo manages, “Why didn’t you tell me that before I kicked it?”

Still staring down at him, Lindy replies, “You didn’t ask.”

Eyes watering, Leo takes the hand that Lindy offers with more than a hint of irritation. It was becoming apparent that Lindy did not care one whit for Leo.

Lindy, paying him no mind, is surveying their surroundings. “Give me a leg up,” Lindy says, nodding to a panel he’s noticed above their heads. Leo follows his gaze and understands immediately. He boosts Lindy up on his shoulders. Besides the painful protesting of his ankle, it’s not too bad. Maybe the healing process had made him stronger.

After a bit of tinkering, Leo hears a creak from up above, the weight on his shoulders vanishes, and Lindy’s hand extends from up above to help him up.

“Are you sure that’s stable?” Leo calls, but he’s already taking Lindy’s hand, so he’ll find out one way or another. Lindy doesn’t respond anyway.

Leo cranes his neck around the cramped ventilation shaft, in which both of them are crouching down as low as they can. By the soft indentation in the metal, grooves caused by the unmistakable impressions of knees and hands and occasional banged heads, he can tell that this is certainly more than your run-of-the-mill ventilation shaft.

“This way,” Lindy says, motioning to the left of their loose panel. Leo falls back behind him and the two crawl down the seemingly endless shaft. It only occasionally quivers in a way that makes Leo nervous that it can’t support their weight.

Leo finds himself yawning as they go along. He never thought that getting summoned to another universe would be so tiring, or so dull. Almost in response to his thoughts, he hears a huge bang from the other side of the tunnel.

They both freeze.

“What does that mean?” whispers Leo.

After a beat of silence, the banging starts to get closer. Lindy turns pale.

“It means that someone’s in here with us.”

[ducktastic]

2020 Gameological Awards

Over on the Gameological Discord, we have an annual tradition of writing up our games of the year not as a ranked list but rather as answers to a series of prompts. Here are my personal choices for the year that was 2020.

Favorite Game of the Year

I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Paradise Killer. I knew that I liked the vaporwave resort aesthetic from the game’s trailer and figured I was in for a Danganronpa-style murder mystery visual novel with an open-ended murder mystery at its core. Those assumptions were… half-right? The game definitely plays out like the exploration bits of Danganronpa set on the island from Myst but with far simpler puzzles. What I didn’t expect was to fall so deeply in love with the environment—its nooks and crannies, its millennia of lore, its brutalist overlap of idol worship, consumerism, and mass slaughter. It makes sense that the world of Paradise Killer is its strongest feature, since the cast of NPCs don’t really move around, leaving you alone with the world for the overwhelming majority of your experience as you bounce back and forth between digging around for clues and interrogating potential witnesses. And despite what the promo materials indicated, there IS a definitive solution to the crimes you’re brought in to investigate, the game just lets you make judgment based on whatever evidence you have at the time you’re ready to call it a day, so if you’re missing crucial evidence you might just make a compelling enough case for the wrong person and condemn them to eternal nonexistence. Am I happy with the truth at the end of the day? No, and neither is anybody else I’ve spoken to who completed the game, but we all were also completely enthralled the entire time and our dissatisfaction has less to do with the game and more to do with the ugly reality of humanity. I’ve always been of the mindset that “spoilers” are absolute garbage and that a story should be just as good whether you know the twist or not and any story that relies on surprising the audience with an unexpected reveal is not actually that good a story, but Paradise Killer is a game about piecing together your own version of events so I feel that it’s vital to the gameplay experience that people go in knowing as little as possible and gush all about it afterwards. Just trust me, if the game looks even remotely intriguing to you, go for it. I’ve had just as much fun talking about the game after I finished it with friends just getting started as I did actually solving its mysteries myself.

Best Single Player Game

I honestly missed out on the buzz for In Other Waters at launch, so I’m happy I had friends online talking it up as Black Friday sales were coming along. The minimal aesthetic of his underwater exploration game allows the focus to shift more naturally to the game’s stellar writing as a lone scientist goes off in search of her mentor and the secrets they were hiding on an alien world. It only took a few hours for me to become completely absorbed in this narrative and keep pushing forward into increasingly dangerous waters. In Other Waters might just be the best sci-fi story I experienced all year and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi novels, regardless of their experience with video games.

Best Multiplayer Game

Look, we all know this year sucked. 2020 will absolutely be chronicled in history books as a fascinating and deeply depressing time in modern history where we all stayed inside by ourselves and missed our friends and family. It was lonely and it was bleak. Which is why it made my heart glow so much more warmly every time I got a letter from an honest-to-goodness real-life friend in Animal Crossing New Horizons. Knowing that they were playing the same game I was and hearing about their experiences and sending each other wacky hats or furniture, it lightened the days and made us feel that little bit more connected. Sure, when the game first launched we would actually take the time to visit one another’s islands, hang out, chat in real-time, and exchange gifts, but we all eventually got busy with Zoom calls, sourdough starters, and watching Birds of Prey twenty-two times. Still, sending letters was enough. It was and still is a touching little way to show that we’re here for one another, if not at the exact same time.

Favorite Ongoing Game

Zach Gage is one of my favorite game designers right now, and when I heard he was releasing a game called Good Sudoku I was sold sight unseen. The game as released was… fine. It’s sudoku and it’s pleasant, but it was also buggy and overheated my phone in a way I hadn’t seen since Ridiculous Fishing (also by Zach Gage) seven years ago. Thankfully, the most glaring bugs have been fixed and I can now enjoy popping in every day for some quick logic puzzle goodness. Daily ranked leaderboards keep me coming back again and again, the steady ramp of difficulty in the arcade and eternal modes means I can always chase the next dopamine rush of solving increasingly complex puzzles. It’s not a traditional “ongoing” game the way, say, Fortnite and Destiny are, but I’m happy to come back every day for sudoku goodness.

Didn't Click For Me

With Fortnite progressively losing me over the course of 2020, finalizing with my wholesale “never again” stance after Epic boss Tim Sweeney compared Fortnite demanding more money from Apple to the American Civil Rights movement (no, absolutely not), I dipped my toe into a number of new “battle pass”-style online arena types of games, and while Genshin Impact eventually got its hooks into me, Spellbreak absolutely did not. With graphics straight out of The Dragon Prince and the promise of a wide variety of magic combat skills to make your character your own, the game seemed awfully tempting, but my first few experiences were aimless and joyless, with no moment of clarity to make me understand why I should keep coming back. Maybe they’ll finesse the game some more in 2021, or a bunch of my friends will get hooked and lure me back, but for now I am a-okay deleting this waste of space on my Switch and PC.

"Oh Yeah, I Did Play That Didn't I?"

I remember being really excited for Murder By Numbers. Ace Attorney-style crime scene investigation visual novel with Picross puzzles for the evidence, art by the creators of Hatoful Boyfriend, and music by the composer of Ace Attorney itself?! Sounds like a dream come true. But the pixel-hunt nature of the crime scene investigations was more frustrating than fun, the picross puzzles were not particularly great, and the game came out literally a week before the entire world went into lockdown which makes it feel more like seven years ago than just earlier this year. I remember being marginally charmed by the game once it was in my hands, but as soon as my mind shifted to long-term self care, Murder By Numbers went from hot topic to cold case.

Most Unexpected Joy

I was looking forward to Fuser all year. As a dyed-in-the-wool DropMix stan, the prospect of a spiritual sequel to DropMix on all major digital platforms without any of the analogue components was tremendously exciting, and I knew I’d have a lot of fun making mixes by myself and posting them online for the world to hear. What I didn’t expect, however, was the online co-op mode to be such a blast! Up to four players take turns making 32 bars of mashups, starting with whatever the player before handed them and adding their own fingerprints on top. It sounds like it should just be a mess of cacophony, but every session I’ve played so far has been just the best dance party I’ve had all year, and everyone not currently in control of the decks (including an audience of spectators) can make special requests for what the DJ should spin and tap along with the beat to great super-sized emoji to show how much they’re enjoying the mix. Literally the only times my Apple Watch has ever warned me of my heightened heart rate have been the times I was positively bouncing in place rocking out to co-op freestyle play in Fuser.

Best Music

Only one video game this year had tunes that were so bumpable they were upgraded to my general “2020 jams” playlist alongside Jeff Rosenstock, Run the Jewels, and Phoebe Bridgers, and that game was Paradise Killer. 70% lo-fi chill beats to study/interrogate demons to, 20% gothic atmospheric bangers, 10% high-energy pop jazz, this soundtrack was just an absolute joy to swim around in both in and out of gameplay.

Favorite Game Encounter

It’s wild that in a landscape where games let me live out my wildest fantasies, the single moment that lit me up in a way that stood out to me more than any other was serving Neil the right drink in Coffee Talk. Over the course of the game, you serve a variety of hot drinks to humans, werewolves, vampires, orcs, and more, all while chatting with your customers and learning more about their lives and relationships. The most mysterious customer, though, is an alien life form who adopts the name Neil. They do not know what they want to drink and claim it doesn’t make a difference because they cannot taste it. Everybody else wants *something*. Neil is just ordering for the sake of fitting in and exploring the Earth experience. It’s only in the second playthrough that attentive baristas will figure out what to serve Neil, unlocking the “true” ending in the process. Seeing the typically stoic Neil actually emote when they tasted their special order drink? What an absolute treat that was.

Best Free DLC of the Year

It’s still only a couple of days old at the time I’m writing this, but Marvel’s Avengers just added Kate Bishop, aka Hawkeye, and THANK GOODNESS. Almost every character in the game at launch just smashed the endless waves of robot baddies with their fists and that looks exhausting and uncomfortable. Hawkeye (the game calls her Kate Bishop, but come on, she’s been Hawkeye in the comics for over 14 years, let’s show her some respect) uses A SWORD. FINALLY! Aside from that, I’m just having a blast shooting arrows all over the place. She and Ms Marvel are the most likable characters in the game so far, so I hope they keep adding more of the Young Avengers and Champions to the game, and if the recently announced slate of Marvel movies and tv shows are any indication (with America Chavez, Cassie Lang, and Riri Williams all coming soon to the MCU), that seems to be what Marvel is pushing for across all media

Most Accessible Game

Nintendo is, first and foremost, a toy company. They got their start in toys and cards long before video games was a thing, and they still do more tests to ensure their video game hardware is childproof than anybody else in the industry (remember how they made Switch cartridges “taste bad” so kids wouldn’t eat them?). This year, Nintendo got to rekindle some of their throwback, simplistic, toys-and-cards energy with Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, a Switch collection of timeless family-friendly games like Chess, Mancala, and Backgammon, along with “toy” versions of sports like baseball, boxing, and tennis for a virtual parlor room of pleasant time-wasters. The games were all presented with charming li’l explainers from anthropomorphic board game figurines, and the ability to play quick sessions of Spider Solitaire on the touch screen while I binged The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix made Clubhouse Games one of my most-played titles of the year. Plus, local play during socially-distant friend hangs was an excellent way to make us feel like we were much closer than we were physically allowed to be as friends knocked each other’s block off in the “toy boxing” version of Rock’em Sock’em Robots.

"Waiting for Game-dot"

I get that everyone loves Disco Elysium. I saw it on everyone’s year-end lists last year. I finally bought it with an Epic Games Store coupon this year. This year was a long enough slog of depressing post-apocalyptic drudgery, I didn’t want to explore a whole nother one in my leisure time. I’ll get to it… someday.

Game That Made Me Think

Holovista was an iPhone game I played over the course of two or three days based on the recommendation of some trusted colleagues on Twitter and oh my goodness was I glad that I played it. What starts as a chill vaporwave photography game steadily progresses into an exploration of psychological trauma, relationships with friends and family, and the baggage we carry with us from our pasts. In this exceptionally hard year, I badly needed this story about spending time alone with your personal demons and finding your way back to the people who love and support you. Just like with Journey and Gone Home, I walked away from Holovista feeling a rekindled appreciation for the people in my life.

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Hello😀i requested a smutty part 2 to an Alfie piece you did but you didn't know which one I was talking about. It's the one we're Alfie sees the same girl on his way home every night and ends up walking her home all the time a relationship blooms and then her landlord kicked her out and she ended up at his door. You mentioned at that you would be willing to do a part 2 that I would absolutely love. Hope you know which one I mean.

//Sorry this took so long. The smut gods were not looking upon me favorably. That or I just had some writers block. Either way, I hope you enjoy!

            “I’ll stay,” Vivian whispered against his lips. “For as long as you need me to.” It was much more open-ended than either of them probably realized. Alfie knew he needed her for much longer than just that night. He needed her longer than time itself.

            He chuckled. “You might never leave then.” He teased.

            She shrugged. “I meant what I meant.”       

            It was all so overwhelming. Alfie had to take a deep breath. “Erm…should get you out of those wet clothes so you don’t catch your death.”

            Vivian’s cheeks went red. “I don’t really have anything to wear.”

            He was starting to get a little hot beneath the collar. God was testing him, right? Surely this had to be a test. “Well…I’ve got some clean shirts.  

            Was the room getting hotter? Vivian felt like she was going to burst into flames. “Okay.” She wondered if she was even speaking English. It felt like her mouth wasn’t connected to her brain.

            “And erm…I’ve got trousers but they won’t fit ya.” Why were his palms sweating? He wasn’t some blushing virgin and yet everything about this woman was making him nervous. She was far too sensible for him.

            “Do you have a pin?”

            “I might. Let me go…I’ll be back.” He clarified before heading upstairs. He tried to get his thoughts together as he grabbed one of his usual white linen shirts and a pair of trousers from the dresser. He rummaged through the drawers to see if he could find a pin but came up with nothing. There might’ve been one somewhere but his brain was so scrambled that he couldn’t think of anywhere else he might’ve kept them.

            Cyril was keeping Vivian company by the fire. His tail was thumping lazily, apparently happy to have a female presence in the house.

            “Couldn’t find a pin,” Alfie admitted. “Maybe could roll the waistband up a bit…”

            But apparently, Vivian had been thinking while he was upstairs. She stood up from her spot by the fire and walked over to him.

            He assumed she was going to take the clothes so he held them out to her. But then she kissed him so hard it took his breath away. There was an urgency that hadn’t been there the first time they kissed only minutes earlier. There was something she was trying to convey to him. Something that Alfie managed to pick up on.

            He dropped the shirt and pants and wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand went to her cheek.

            Despite the warmth between them, the cold damp clothes on Vivian were starting to make her shiver.

            “I need to get out of these.” She murmured against his lips.

            “Are you sure?” Alfie of course wanted her to get warm but he understood the implications around her tone.

            Vivian nodded. “Please.” She whispered. “I need you.”         

            His heart was beating so hard against his chest. “Should keep you down by the fire though. Keep you warm.”

            She gave him a coy smile. “You can’t keep me warm enough?”

            “You know, you keep this side of you very well buttoned up.” He teased. “Just glad I get to see it.”

            “And you’re a lot more talkative behind closed doors.” She replied with a raised eyebrow.

            “Would you rather I put my mouth to better use?”

            Vivian’s face flushed pink. “Alfie.” She giggled.

            “Gonna go put Cyril in the kitchen. You need a minute?” He drew away from her.

            “I’ll just get more comfortable.”

            “Right, I’ll be back.” He gave her a lingering look before herding Cyril into the kitchen. “C’mon, you mutt. No kicking up a fuss either.” To keep the dog interested, Alfie filled up his bowl with dinner.

            When he returned Vivian had slipped out of her damp dress. Left in her stockings and slip she needed to stay by the fire to keep warm. She didn’t look uncomfortable but perhaps a bit antsy. “I put my clothes over the screen, I hope that’s alright.”

            Alfie had to tear his eyes away from her to see she had placed her wet clothes by the fire. “Yeah, ‘course. They’ll dry there.”

            While he was looking away, Vivian came up to him. “You look terrified.” She wondered if she had mistaken his intentions. Maybe she was coming on too strong.

            He gave a nervous laugh and returned his eyes to her. “I’m terrified you’re making a huge mistake, love.”

            “I know I’m not.” She asserted. “And I can prove it if you let me show you.”

            Alfie had no time to answer. She captured his lips with hers again and tangled her fingers in his hair. He groaned gratefully against her lips. He backed up, pulling her with him as he blindly found his way to the couch.

            Vivian straddled his hips. She was warming up in his arms, feeling the cold rainy night washing away. She almost felt giddy at the idea of being so close to him. To being held so intimately by him.

            They drew apart slightly and she went about undoing the buttons of his shirt. Alfie reclined back a bit against the sofa, taking in her form. “Fucking hell, how are you so beautiful?” He protested. “Ain’t fair.”

            She giggled and shook her head, her face getting hot again. “You’re just flattering me.”

            “Not at all.” He corrected. “Just tell it like I see it, love.” His hands rested on her hips, basking in the perfect curves of her frame. Everything about her was so soft and giving.

            As she finished removing his shirt, Alfie couldn’t help himself and began to kiss her neck. He’d apparently found a weakness because her hands went limp and she stifled a moan.

            “Ah ah, don’t hold back on me now.” He murmured against her throat. “Let the whole neighborhood hear ya.”

            Now he was really teasing her. Vivian let her head roll to the side a bit, her eyes slipping closed. She got lost in the feeling of his lips and teeth dragging across her neck and collarbone. Moving down until he tugged the strap of her slip down to free her breasts.

            Vivian let out a soft gasp, feeling a thrilling shiver go up her spine. She shimmied a bit to let the slip fall and pool around her waist. It was such a marvelous feeling. She didn’t feel nervous or shameful or self-conscious. The way he eyed her made her feel like a rare type of jewel or an expensive painting. She felt positively beautiful.

            The moment had caught her in such a daze that she didn’t even realize she was rocking her hips into his lap. It wasn’t until Alfie said something that she even noticed.

            “Fucking hell, woman, you’re gonna make me come dancing on me like that.” He picked her up and deposited her on the couch.

            Vivian was able to catch her breath a bit as he tossed aside his shirt. He knelt down in front of her and pulled the slip off her hips to throw it to the side as well. He hooked one of her legs over his shoulder.

            She was mewling softly before he even made contact with her. His breath against her center was enough to make her heart race.

            After a few swipes of his tongue, Alfie wasted no time.

            Vivian felt like every thought in her brain had disappeared. All that was left was the maddening sensation of Alfie licking and sucking at her clit while he slipped in a finger then two. Her breathing became shallower as she lost all semblance of rational thought. Her fingers knotted in his hair and tugged hard to encourage him to keep going. The pulls accompanied her breathless gasps of his name.

            Finally, one swipe of his tongue threw her over the edge. Her upper half jerked forward as she let out a sudden cry. It took a couple of moments before her muscles unlocked and she released her grip on Alfie’s hair.

            He rocked back on the balls of his feet. His hip was screaming in protest from the awkward kneeling position he’d been in. But that wasn’t even registering in his mind. Seeing Vivian coming down from her high was exhilarating for him. When she finally came back around, she gave him a satisfied smile. By that point, Alfie was so hard it was almost painful.

            As he tried to stand, his hip refused to be ignored. It felt like someone was driving a stake into him. “Fuck.” He grimaced.

            Vivian’s face morphed into concern. “What’s wrong?”

            “Ah, just me hip.” He replied with a grumble.

            She was aware of his sciatica. He made a point to complain about the weather because it always seemed to make the pain flare up. It may have been the rain. “Do you want…”

            “Oh, we ain’t stopping, love.” He shook his head.

            She smiled but stood up, feeling a little shaky on her legs still after her climax. “Here.” She pulled the knit blanket off the back of the couch and lay it on the floor. Placing another couple of pillows down, she gestured to him to lay down. “I’ll give you a massage.”

            The proposition was just too good to pass up. He lay down on his stomach, letting out a deep breath.

            Vivian straddled his waist and began to work at the knots in his shoulders and upper back. As she dug into the muscles Alfie groaned and swore with relief. It was something to behold when he became less tense and loosened up.

            She could only imagine the weight he held on his shoulders every day. If anyone deserved some relaxation, it was Alfie.

            As she worked her way down, she rubbed circles into his skin with her thumbs. She took her time on his hip, hoping she could at least alleviate some of the discomfort. But the longer she took, the more worked up Alfie became. It felt so good but he was looking for attention in another area.

            So, after a while, he tapped her thigh. “Gonna roll over.” He warned.

            Vivian lifted up a bit so he could move onto his back. He propped himself up on his elbows so he could kiss her gently. Almost a thanks for giving him so much affection and care. But she wasn’t done giving yet.

            While they kissed, Vivian began to undo his trousers. And only seconds later she had Alfie moaning again, slowly stroking his length. She was just begging to see the dominant side of him. The side that ruled Camden Town with an iron fist.

            So, Alfie gave it to her. He flipped her onto her back and without wasting time, began to slide into her. The pressure was enough to make Vivian whimper gratefully, but she still wanted more. She wrapped her legs around his waist and wove her fingers into his hair again.

            He kissed her deeply before beginning to rock against her, moving his hips in a slow but punishing way.

            When Vivian broke the kiss to moan, he began to leave bruising kisses down her neck. “Gonna make you mine.” He growled. “Gonna give you everything, keep you happy, and fuck you whenever you need it.”

            The way he spoke was making her toes curl. “Yes.” She agreed breathlessly.

            Alfie gripped her thigh and shifted slightly to get at another angle. Thrusting deep into her and making her moans become louder. “You’re mine, love. No other man will have you the way I do. Every inch of you is mine.”

            “Y-yes, Alfie, oh God, yes!” She cried and moved her hands to his shoulders, digging her nails into his skin.

            “Wish you could see yourself. Begging for me.” He murmured, his voice shaking with desire. “So beautiful.” His hand slipped down to rub her clit with his thumb.

            Vivian was becoming so overwhelmed, she pulled him closer, almost needing something to hold onto. She buried her face in his shoulder as she met each of his thrusts with a gasping breath. “Please, I’m so close, Alfie.”

            The more she spoke his name, the more enamored he became. And as much as he loved being in control, he was starting to slip into a state of ecstasy. Just instinct drove him forward, pounding into her at an unforgivable pace until he felt her tighten around him.

            She let out a cry and her arms locked up around him. It triggered him to meet his release too, spilling into her with a loud, almost animalistic groan.

            They remained that way for a bit, breathing heavily as they rode each ebbing wave of pleasure. Clinging to each other, while they enjoyed each other’s warmth in the final aftershocks.

            Finally, Alfie swore and rolled off of Vivian. The only sound in the room was the crackling fire in the hearth and a few people walking by outside.

            “How’s your hip?” Vivian broke the silence.

            He chuckled almost a bit winded. “Can’t feel it at all.”

            She moved closer to him and curled up in the crook of his arm. “So, we’ve established that I’m yours.” Her hand rested against his chest as he pulled her closer. “Does that mean you’re mine?”

            “Of course.” He looked down at her with a soft smile. “We’ll get your things from your place tomorrow. If you’d like, I wouldn’t mind if you moved in.”

            Vivian normally would’ve doubted such a move. She wouldn’t want to bother him, intrude, or anything of the like. But she had no qualms if he didn’t either. “Okay.” She agreed. “As long as you keep your promise of fucking me whenever I need it.”

            Alfie’s stomach tightened. This woman was going to kill him but at least he’d die a happy man. “You drive a hard bargain, sweetheart, but I’ll accept.” He teased and drew her in for a kiss.